Scientists have discovered a new planet. The planet is in a solar system whose star is similar in
size to the sun and is about as far from the star as Venus is from the sun. The planet is similar in
size to Earth, and its atmosphere is similar in thickness to Earth’s atmosphere. The atmosphere
is composed almost entirely of carbon dioxide and methane.
In three to five sentences, make a hypothesis about the temperature on the planet’s surface. Explain
your answer using information about the planet’s location and atmosphere.
1 answer
Based on the information provided, it is likely that the temperature on the planet's surface would be extremely high. Since the planet is about as far from its star as Venus is from the sun, it would receive a significant amount of solar radiation. Additionally, the planet's atmosphere being mainly composed of carbon dioxide and methane suggests a strong greenhouse effect, trapping heat and further contributing to high temperatures. Therefore, it is hypothesized that this new planet would have a surface temperature similar to or possibly hotter than Venus, which experiences surface temperatures of around 900 degrees Fahrenheit (475 degrees Celsius).