The light-colored streaks extending from some craters are called what?

The light-colored streaks extending from some craters are called what?

• A. Rays
• B. Ridges
• C. Mountains
• D. Valleys

Answer: (A)

Light-colored streaks radiating from impact craters are called rays. When a crater forms, the explosion hurls out material (ejecta) that lands around the crater in fan-shaped extensions that spread outward. That material is fresher and less weathered than the older surface, so it stays brighter and creates those visible light streaks. Over time, space weathering gradually dulls them, but younger craters show more prominent rays. Other features like ridges, mountains, or valleys describe raised lines, large elevations, or low-lying areas, not these outward streaks from craters.

Light-colored streaks radiating from impact craters are called rays. When a crater forms, the explosion hurls out material (ejecta) that lands around the crater in fan-shaped extensions that spread outward. That material is fresher and less weathered than the older surface, so it stays brighter and creates those visible light streaks. Over time, space weathering gradually dulls them, but younger craters show more prominent rays. Other features like ridges, mountains, or valleys describe raised lines, large elevations, or low-lying areas, not these outward streaks from craters.