Moon Formation Theories
This theory suggests that the Moon was formed from debris ejected after a massive collision between Earth and a Mars-sized body.
What is the Giant Impact Theory?
The Moon's surface is covered with these large, dark plains formed by ancient volcanic activity.
What are Maria?
NASA's current program aimed at returning humans to the Moon is called this.
What is Artemis?
This type of rock, found on the Moon, is primarily composed of silicate minerals and is formed from volcanic activity.
What is Basalt?
This Apollo mission was the first to land humans on the Moon in 1969.
What is Apollo 11?
This theory posits that the Moon was once part of Earth and separated due to rapid rotation.
What is the Fission Theory?
This term describes the lighter, heavily cratered regions of the Moon's surface.
What are Highlands?
This robotic mission is designed to map the Moon's surface and search for water ice.
What is the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter?
The Moon's gravitational influence is responsible for creating these phenomena on Earth.
What are Tides?
he primary goal of the Apollo missions was to collect these from the lunar surface.
What are Lunar Samples?
This theory claims that the Moon was captured by Earth's gravity as it passed nearby.
What is the Capture Theory?
The Moon has no atmosphere, which leads to this phenomenon where craters remain unchanged for millions of years.
What is Impact Cratering?
This agency is collaborating with NASA on lunar exploration and future missions to Mars.
What is the European Space Agency (ESA)?
This scientist's work on lunar geology has significantly advanced our understanding of the Moon's history.
Who is Dr. Jeffrey Taylor?
This astronaut famously said, "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind."
Who is Neil Armstrong?
This theory suggests that the Moon and Earth formed independently from the primordial accretion disk of the solar system.
What is the Double Planet Theory?
This feature on the Moon is characterized by long, bright rays that extend from some craters.
What are Ejecta Rays?
This upcoming lunar lander is designed to deliver scientific payloads to the Moon's surface as part of the Artemis program.
What is the Human Landing System (HLS)?
The Moon has no liquid water, but this substance has been detected in permanently shadowed craters.
What is Water Ice?
This Apollo mission was the last to land on the Moon, occurring in 1972.
What is Apollo 17?
The isotopic similarities between Earth and Moon rocks support this theory over others.
What is the Giant Impact Theory?
The Moon's gravitational pull is about this fraction of Earth's gravity.
What is 1/6th?
This lunar rover, part of China's Chang'e program, successfully landed on the Moon in 2019.
What is Yutu-2 (Jade Rabbit 2)?
This phenomenon occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight.
What is a Solar Eclipse?
The Apollo missions provided this many total lunar landings.
What are six?