Question

Estimate the minimum distance the moon would have to be from the sun before it would be cool enough to retain a nitrogen atmosphere? 1) 1 AU 2) 2 AU 3) 3 AU 4) 4 AU

Answer 1

The moon would have to be at least 2 AU away from the sun to retain a nitrogen atmosphere due to its low surface gravity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The moon would have to be at least 2 AU (average distance from Earth to the Sun) away from the sun before it would be cool enough to retain a nitrogen atmosphere. This is because the moon's low surface gravity, which is about one-sixth of Earth's, makes it easier for gas molecules to escape into space. While the moon can acquire a temporary atmosphere from impacting comets, it quickly loses it due to freezing onto the surface or escaping to surrounding space.

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