Instructions and Tips:
• List the source used to learn the type of features for each object in Question 1. For this exercise, I recommend getting all information from NASA websites or the textbook. In most search engines, you can specify only NASA websites by searching “site:nasa.gov” with your keywords.
• You can also search “NASA” + object name to get the information needed for Question 1.
Question 1: You will notice there are multiple surface features on the Moon! For each surface feature on the zoomed in version of the Moon (Fig. 1) do the following:
Define the region in one sentence, note whether there any Apollo missions associated with the region, and list the source used for the definition. [3 Points for each entry, 9 total for Question 1]
Object Name
Type of Feature
Apollo Mission?
Source:
Vallis Capella
Large Canyon Near a Crater
No nearby missions
http://apollo.sese.asu.edu/LIW/20090210.html
Copernicus (Crater)
Mare Tranquillitatis
Montes Appenius*
The information for the first surface feature has been filled in as an example:
* The Montes Appenius can be difficult to find on a NASA webpage. I recommend http://apollo.sese.asu.edu/LIW/20080930.html
Question 2: Heavily cratered regions are thought to be older areas of a celestial object. What is one old region from Image 1 of the Moon and one younger region? Only the names need to be added below. [2 points]
Young Region:
Old Region:
Question 3: Based on the zoomed in topographical map of the Moon (image 2), describe in one sentence where the highest elevation region is located. Where is one region with low elevation? Add a rough estimate of the elevation (e.g., 0-2 km) from reading the topographical map along with your one-sentence description. You can use longitude and latitude ranges as well to describe your location. [4 points]
Most Heavily Cratered Elevation:
Least Heavily Cratered Elevation:
Question 4: The last piece of the puzzle on the lunar surface has to do with rock composition. The maria (e.g., Mare Tranquillitatis) are darker and made of basalt materials. In other words, old lava! The lighter regions are made of a crushed-up moon dust, analogous to dust/dirt (but not the same as dirt on Earth).
What is one region that appeared to have significant volcanic activity from the Table in Image 1? What is one region without significant volcanic activity? [2 points]
Region with significant volcanic activity:
Region with no or little volcanic activity:
Question 5: Citing evidence from questions 2-4, why does the Moon have lots of craters in some locations and none in others as viewed from Earth? [2 points]
Question 6: If you were directing astronauts on an Apollo mission, what experiment would you recommend the astronauts conduct to test your hypothesis? Answer in 1-2 sentences [1 point]
