Exploring the Moon's Mysteries

Why do we always see the same side of the moon from Earth?

• Because the moon does not rotate

• Due to synchronous rotation

• Because the moon is flat

• Because the moon is transparent

Answer explanation

We always see the same side of the moon from Earth due to synchronous rotation, where the moon rotates on its axis in the same time it takes to orbit Earth, keeping one hemisphere facing us.

What fraction of the moon is illuminated by the sun at any given time?

• The entire moon

Answer explanation

At any given time, half of the moon is illuminated by the sun, which is why the correct answer is \(\frac{1}{2}\). This is true regardless of the moon's phase.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Why were the lunar maria named as such?

• They resemble mountains

• They were thought to be seas

• They are made of ice

• They are named after a scientist

Answer explanation

The lunar maria were named because early astronomers mistook them for seas, as 'maria' is Latin for 'seas'. This misinterpretation arose from their dark, flat appearance on the Moon's surface.

What is the main difference between the lunar highlands and maria?

• Highlands are darker and made of the same rock type

• Highlands are lighter and made of a different rock type

• Highlands are underwater

• Highlands are made of lava

Answer explanation

The main difference is that lunar highlands are lighter in color and composed mainly of anorthosite, while maria are darker and primarily made of basalt, which is formed from lava flows.

Why does the moon have so many craters?

• It has a strong magnetic field

• It has a significant atmosphere

• It lacks a significant atmosphere

• It is made of soft material

Answer explanation

The moon lacks a significant atmosphere, which means there is no air resistance to slow down meteoroids. As a result, they collide with the moon's surface, creating craters.

How does the gravity on the moon compare to that on Earth?

• It is stronger on the moon

• It is the same as on Earth

• It is less on the moon

• It is variable

Answer explanation

The gravity on the moon is about 1/6th that of Earth, meaning it is less on the moon. This lower gravity affects weight and movement, making objects weigh significantly less compared to their weight on Earth.

What is the approximate size of the moon compared to Earth?

• The same size as Earth

Answer explanation

The moon is approximately ½ the size of Earth, but more accurately, it is about ¼ the size of Earth. Therefore, the correct choice is ¼ the size of Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Which theory suggests that the moon was formed from a collision?

• Capture theory

• Fission theory

• Collision theory

• Accretion theory

Answer explanation

The Collision theory posits that the Moon was formed from the debris resulting from a massive collision between the early Earth and a Mars-sized body. This theory explains the similarities in composition between the Earth and the Moon.

What is the temperature range on the moon's surface?

• 0 to 100°C

• -50 to 50°C

• 127 to -173°C

• 200 to -200°C

Answer explanation

The temperature on the moon's surface varies widely, ranging from about 127°C in direct sunlight to -173°C in the dark. Therefore, the correct answer is 127 to -173°C.

How many people have walked on the moon's surface?

• 24

• 12

• 6

• 18

Answer explanation

A total of 12 astronauts have walked on the moon's surface during the Apollo missions from 1969 to 1972. This makes 12 the correct answer, as the other options are incorrect.