Lunar Eclipses
What is a lunar eclipse?
When the Moon passes through Earth's shadow
What is the name of the layer of loose, ground-up rock on the Moon's surface?
Regolith
What mission sent the first people to land on the moon?
Apollo 11
What are the layers of the moon?
Crust, upper mantle, lower mantle, and core
Define: lunar month
the length of time it takes for the Moon to go through a complete cycle of phases
What is a solar eclipse?
When the moon passes directly between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun from view
What type of mineral are most moon rocks made of?
Silicates
What two countries successfully returned moon rocks to Earth?
United States and the Soviet Union
How was the moon formed?
The moon's formation states that material ejected from Earth and a striking object eventually ejected to form the Moon
Define: umbra
the darkest part of Earth's shadow
How does a lunar eclipse form?
A lunar eclipse forms when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are closely aligned.
What rock type predominantly makes up the maria of the moon?
Basalt
How many Apollo missions were successful in their goal?
Six
What percentage of the albedo does the moon have?
7%
Define: highlands (in respect to the moon)
heavily cratered regions of the Moon that are light in color and are mountainous
How long does a lunar eclipse happen for?
Two hours
Where does NASA store moon rocks?
The Lunar Sample Laboratory Facility at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas
What NASA missions returned moon rocks to Earth?
Apollo 11, Apollo 12, Apollo 14, Apollo 15, Apollo 16, Apollo 17
How is the moon related to tides?
Tides are formed as a result of the Moon's gravity forming a connection between the Earth and Moon, creating bulges of ocean water.
Define: maria
dark, smooth plains, which average 3 km lower in elevation
Why doesn't a lunar eclipse happen every full moon?
Because the Moon in its orbit usually passes above or below the Sun as seen from Earth
How much did Luna 16 fragments sell for (2018)?
$855,000 USD
Which NASA mission returned the greatest mass of rocks?
Apollo 15
Why is Earth's moon so unique when compared to other planets' moons?
It is the largest moon (radius and mass of the planet it orbits; it is solid, rocky body; and the moon's orbit if farther from Earth
Define: perigee
the closest point in the Moon's orbit to Earth