Question

The author uses the phrase "this new intimacy" (line 28) to refer to the __________________________________________.

• A. Hands-on quality of the learning experience represented by the shoebox diorama
• B. Understanding that nonspecialists now have about meteorological phenomena
• C. General acceptance of the theory that biological life once existed on Mars
• D. Increased knowledge that scientists have about our solar system
• E. Way that events on one planet affect those on another

Answer 1

The correct option is D Increased knowledge that scientists have about our solar system

The paragraph before line 28 describes how the researchers concluded that a specific rock found in the Antarctic field is of Martian origin, with evidences of ancient life. It was a new-found knowledge about the solar system, and, greater intimacy. Hence, Option D is correct.

The rest of the options are neither mentioned nor implied by the passage in relation to the given lines, hence they're incorrect.