Astronomy Practice Exam

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Compared to Mount Everest, how tall is Olympus Mons?

Same height
Twice as tall
Three times as tall
Half as tall

The correct answer is: Three times as tall

Olympus Mons is significantly taller than Mount Everest, making the assertion that it is three times as tall an accurate one. Specifically, Olympus Mons is about 22 kilometers (approximately 13.6 miles) high, while Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth, rises to about 8.8 kilometers (approximately 5.5 miles) above sea level. This vast difference in height is due to the unique geological characteristics of Mars, where Olympus Mons was formed. The Martian volcano has a low profile with a broad base, allowing it to build up to such a height without the same erosion forces present on Earth. The immense scale of Olympus Mons illustrates not only its height but also the differences in planetary geology between Earth and Mars. Understanding these measurements helps in visualizing the vastness of features on other celestial bodies compared to our own.