Question:
What is atmosphere...the second grade needs to know!
Replies:
The atmosphere is a layer of gases which surrounds the entire Earth.
It consists mainly of Nitrogen, Oxygen, as well as a few other
gaseous elements. The purpose of this "layer" around the Earth is to
prevent excessive amounts of radiation from reaching the Earth,
thereby allowing we, as animals/planets, to survive. A planet
such as Mars has very little, if any, atmosphere and hence has
little or no life on it (at least as we see it now). Several
million years ago Mars may have supported life. Has your class ever
seen pictures of the huge "ancient rivers" or Canyons on Mars. Many
scientists these formations could have been made by water, rivers, etc
many millions of years ago.
The NASA BBS has .GIF pictures of it if you'd like to see them.
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