Astronomy D.4

Please choose ONE of the following questions to respond to.  Be sure to indicate in your response which question you chose.

Question 1 (Chapter 6)

Astronomers have been reflecting laser beams off the Moon since reflectors were left there by Apollo astronauts. This has resulted in the conclusion that the Moon is moving away from the Earth at a rate of 3.8 cm per year. Discuss the specifics of what is causing this, the likely end result for the Earth-Moon system, and what you think this might mean for life on Earth?

Question 2 (Chapter 6-8)

Several planets in our solar system have a magnetosphere. Describe what is required, in general, for a magnetosphere to exist (not just Earth). Also comment on what you see as the impact to us if we had no magnetosphere.