Space or Earth? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Earth

The Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, USA, is the largest hot spring in North America. It has a diameter of about 110 metres (370 feet) and is about 50 metres (160 feet) deep. The water temperature can reach 87°C (188°F), with an estimated discharge of 560 US gallons (2,100 litres) per minute.

The vibrant colours of the spring are caused by thermophilic (heat-loving) bacteria that thrive in the varying temperatures of the water. These bacteria form distinct bands of colour, ranging from deep blue in the centre, where the water is hottest, to shades of orange and yellow at the edges, where the temperature is cooler.

The Grand Prismatic Spring is a remarkable example of how geothermal activity and microbial life can coexist in extreme conditions, making it one of the most visually stunning natural wonders in the world.

Answer: Space

The structure in the photo is called the Great Red Spot. It is a massive storm located in Jupiter's atmosphere, stretching approximately 1.3 times the diameter of Earth. This iconic storm has been raging for at least 350 years, possibly much longer, and is one of the longest-lasting storms in the solar system. The storm's reddish color is believed to result from complex chemical reactions in the upper atmosphere, particularly involving sulfur compounds and other elements.

The Great Red Spot is known for its extreme wind speeds, which can reach up to 640 km/h (400 mph), and it moves in a counterclockwise direction. Despite its size and strength, the storm's shape and intensity have been changing over time, with some evidence suggesting it has been shrinking in recent years.

Scientists are still working to understand the underlying processes that sustain such a massive storm, as well as why it has remained active for so long.

Answer: Earth

Lake Natron, located in northern Tanzania and Kenya, is one of the most extreme environments on Earth. With a pH level that can reach up to 12, it is incredibly alkaline, largely due to the high concentrations of sodium carbonate and other minerals that are carried into the lake by nearby volcanic activity.

The temperature of the water can exceed 60°C (140°F), making it one of the hottest bodies of water in the world. Despite these harsh conditions, the lake is home to unique micro-organisms, such as specialised algae, which are able to thrive in the extreme alkalinity.

The lake is also an important breeding ground for lesser flamingos, which are specially adapted to survive in this harsh environment. The lake's eerie, reddish hue is a result of the high levels of salt and minerals, adding to its otherworldly appearance.

Answer: Earth

The Richat Structure, also known as the Eye of the Sahara, is a large circular geological feature located in the Sahara Desert in Mauritania. It is approximately 50 kilometres (30 miles) in diameter and consists of several concentric rings of exposed rock formations.

The origin of the structure has been a matter of scientific debate. While early theories suggested that it might be the remnant of an impact crater from a meteorite strike, research now suggests that it was formed by an erosional process. This process exposed ancient, concentric layers of rock, probably formed by the uplift and subsequent weathering of the Earth's crust over millions of years.

The size and symmetry of the Richat structure make it visible from space, earning it the nickname "Eye of the Sahara". It remains a unique and fascinating geological feature, attracting scientists and adventurers from all over the world.

Answer: Space

Bonneville Crater is a large impact crater on the surface of Mars, specifically in the northern hemisphere. It was formed by a massive asteroid or meteorite collision, and its size - about 7 kilometres (4.5 miles) in diameter - makes it one of the largest craters in the region.

The crater's well-defined rim and central peak rising from the centre are clear indicators of its violent formation. Scientists believe that the crater was formed billions of years ago, at a time when Mars was more geologically active.

Bonneville Crater has been studied by numerous space missions, including rovers such as NASA's Spirit and Opportunity, which have provided valuable information about the planet's past and its potential to support life.

Answer: Space

The inner vortex at Saturn's north pole is a massive, hurricane-like storm at the centre of the planet's famous hexagonal weather pattern. This swirling structure has a calm eye surrounded by high-speed winds, with cloud speeds exceeding 330 mph (530 km/h). The vortex itself is about 1,250 miles (2,000 kilometres) wide - big enough to cover the Earth.

Unlike storms on Earth, which are powered by ocean heat, this storm is driven by Saturn's internal heat and complex atmospheric dynamics. Observations by the Cassini spacecraft have revealed details of this vortex, including towering clouds and deep atmospheric layers, making it one of the most extraordinary weather phenomena in the solar system.

Answer: Earth

The Wave is a stunning sandstone formation located in the Coyote Buttes North area of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in Arizona, USA. Its flowing, wave-like appearance is the result of millions of years of erosion by wind and occasional water.

The alternating bands of red, orange and yellow sandstone are made up of layers of ancient sand dunes that have been compressed and hardened into rock. These layers, known as cross-bedding, create the structure's fascinating striped patterns.

The Wave is highly protected, with access limited to a few visitors a day by a lottery system to preserve its fragile beauty. It has become famous among photographers and walkers for its surreal, otherworldly appearance.

Answer: Space

Nili Patera is a volcanic caldera on Mars, within the Syrtis Major Volcanic Province. It is the remnant of an ancient, collapsed volcano and features extensive lava flows spreading across the caldera floor. These flows are estimated to be over three billion years old, providing scientists with valuable insights into the volcanic and geological history of Mars.

High-resolution images taken by spacecraft such as the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter reveal details of the caldera's surface, including cracks, ridges and dunes formed by shifting winds. Nili Patera is also a site of active research, with scientists using it to study Mars' past environment and the role of volcanism in shaping the planet's surface.

Answer: Space

These are the "Lakes of Titan", Saturn's largest moon. The lakes, located at the north pole of the moon, are composed of liquid hydrocarbons such as methane and ethane, which remain in liquid form due to the extremely cold temperatures. Titan has a dense atmosphere rich in nitrogen and methane, which creates the conditions for these hydrocarbon lakes.

The largest of these lakes, Kraken Mare, is over 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometres) long, making it larger than the Caspian Sea on Earth. All the lakes are surrounded by icy terrain, and their presence suggests an active methane cycle on Titan, similar to the water cycle on Earth, with processes such as evaporation, cloud formation and rainfall.

Observations from NASA's Cassini mission have provided detailed views of Titan's surface, revealing its complex and dynamic environment.

Answer: Earth

Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, located in Bolivia and covering an area of over 10,000 square kilometres (4,000 square miles). It was formed by prehistoric lakes that evaporated over thousands of years, leaving behind a thick crust of salt. Beneath the surface lies a rich deposit of lithium, an essential element in batteries.

During the rainy season, a thin layer of water turns the salt flat into a giant mirror, creating stunning reflections that attract photographers and tourists from around the world.

The Salar is also known for its extreme flatness, with elevation changes of less than one metre over its entire surface. This makes it ideal for scientific purposes, such as calibrating satellite altimeters.