Directions: Read the passage and answer the questions.
Passage: "The Solar System"
The solar system is a wondrous expanse that spans across unimaginable distances. At its heart lies the Sun, a blazing ball of gas that provides light and warmth to the celestial bodies that orbit around it. The planets, each with its unique characteristics, dance in their orbits, forming a cosmic ballet that has captivated human imagination for centuries.
Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, is a barren world, its surface scarred by the intense heat. Venus, cloaked in thick clouds, experiences a greenhouse effect that makes it the hottest planet in our system. Earth, the cradle of humanity, teems with life and diverse ecosystems.
Mars, often called the "Red Planet," is known for its rusty hue. It has captured human interest for its potential to host life in the past. Beyond Mars, the gas giants loom large. Jupiter, with its iconic Great Red Spot, is a massive storm swirling in its atmosphere. Saturn, adorned with its magnificent rings, is a jewel in the solar system's crown.
Uranus and Neptune, the ice giants, lie in the outer reaches, shrouded in frigid temperatures and mystery. They are the farthest sentinels of our solar system, their secrets hidden beneath layers of gas and ice.
Comets and asteroids, the remnants of our solar system's formation, dart through space, leaving trails of stardust in their wake. Moons orbit around planets, some barren and cratered, while others hold the potential for hidden oceans beneath their icy surfaces.
The solar system, a marvel of cosmic engineering, continues to inspire exploration and discovery, inviting humanity to gaze beyond the boundaries of our home planet and wonder about the mysteries that lie in the vastness of space.
What invitation does the solar system extend to humanity, according to the passage?
To wonder about the mysteries of space
To explore the outer reaches
To observe the cosmic ballet
To study comets and asteroids
The passage suggests that the solar system invites humanity to gaze beyond the boundaries of Earth and wonder about the mysteries of space.