A Detailed Photographic Maps of the Lunar Surface - Essay Example

Mons, Montes: The term means the “mountains,” that appear on the moon’s surface; the high cliffs primarily caused by impactsRupes: This is a uniquely lunar term for a scarp, which is A change in topography along a linear to arcuate cliff The creation of the cliffs are attributed to volcanic, tectonic, degradational, or impact-related processes.Vallis: This is the lunar term for “valleys.

”Locate the following surface features on the Moon and record their latitude and longitudes. The longitudes and latitudes in this section were provided with the help of the Lunar and Planetary Institute and their helpful digital photographic atlas of the moon. Maria Lat. Long. a. Mare Serenitatis: 28.0°N/17.5°Eb. Mare Imbrium: 32.8°N/15.6°Wc. Oceanus Procellarum: 18.4°N/57.4°W d. Mare Nubium: 21.3°S/16.6°We. Lacus Somniorum: 38.0°N/29.2°ECraters a. Archimedes: 29.7°N/4.0°W b. Copernicus: 9.7°N/20.1°Wc.

Kepler: 8.1°N/38.0°Wd. Tycho: 43.4°S/11.1°We. Pilatus: 29.9°S/13.5°W  Mountain Ranges a. Caucasus: 38.4°N/10.0°Eb. Apennines: 18.9°N/3.7°W  Mission Landing Site a. Apollo 11: 0.7°N/23.4°E b. Apollo 17: 20.2°N/30.8°E After viewing these features answer the following questions. Describe the origin of the lunar maria: Once upon a time Galileo thought that the mares were the remnants of large oceans, but ultimately they are the locations of, long ago, lava flow.

Examine the number of craters located on the lunar terrae and compare them to the maria. Which area is younger? The maria are younger than the terrace of the highlands. It is most likely that the lava filled in the low places well after the mountains had formed over long periods of impacts by craters upon craters. ("Lunar Prospector")Examine Oceanus Procellarum and Mare Serenitatis. Which one is older? Although neither is particularly young by any means the ultimate conclusion is that Mare Serenitatis is younger than the Procellarum basin.

What is the origin of the bright rays that radiate from craters like Copernicus and Kepler? Originally thought to be caused by salt in water vapor or volcanic ash or dust is now thought to be the result of fragmented ejecta material. ("Lunar Prospector")Examine the Craters Kepler and Mee. Which one is younger? The Mee crater is considered to be very old as it shows the wear and tear of subsequent impacts over many years. In contrast, Kepler is considered to be a very young crater in comparison.

Examine the Craters Tycho and Archimedes. Compare the sharpness of their rims with the other and determine which one is younger. Tycho is considered to be a very young crater in comparison to many others. Archimedes on the other hand is much older. That is made apparent by the high walls and smooth floor of the crater, verifying that lava flow poured into the crater and because smaller craters can be seen within the bulk of Archimedes.