[Astronomy 2232F/G] - Final Exam Guide - Comprehensive Notes fot the exam (45 pages long!)

• School: Western University
• Department: Astronomy
• Course: Astronomy 2232F/G
• Professor: Gordon Osinski

Document Summary

Heavily cratered surface impact craters (the most important geological process) Impact craters form at a constant rate: the more impact craters you see on the surface the planet, the older the surface is, why there isn"t many on earth- its geologically active. Named after the winged messengers of the gods. Also the god of thievery, commerce, and travel. One of the planets we know the least about. Study the atmosphere, surface and physical characteristics. Messenger (mercurcy surface, space environment, geochemistry and ranging) Before messenger only knew what was on less than half of the surface. Goals: map surface composition, and study magnetic field and interior structure. Will crash into mercury in 2015 to end mission. Distance from the sun: 5. 791 x 107 km (0. 387 au) Density: 5. 427 g/cm3 one of the densest terrestrial planets. Must be something that is not on the surface that is much denser then rock. Scientists thinks that it"s the interior core.