Crash Course Astronomy: The Moon

What makes the Moon unique compared to other moons in our solar system?

• It is the largest moon in the solar system.

• It is the only moon with a solid core.

• It has the largest size ratio compared to its planet.

• It is the only moon with water.

What is the Moon Illusion?

• The Moon changes size depending on the time of year.

• The Moon appears smaller when it is on the horizon.

• The Moon appears larger when it is high overhead.

• The Moon appears larger on the horizon due to our perception.

What are the two main types of regions on the near side of the Moon?

• Highlands and valleys

• Craters and mountains

• Plains and seas

• Highlands and maria

What was surprising about the far side of the Moon when it was first photographed?

• It had almost no maria.

• It had more maria than the near side.

• It was completely smooth.

• It had no craters.

What is the Giant Impact hypothesis?

• The Moon was created by volcanic activity on Earth.

• The Moon formed from the same material as Earth.

• The Moon was captured by Earth's gravity.

• The Moon formed from a collision between Earth and a Mars-sized planet.

What event is believed to have caused most of the highland cratering on the Moon?

• Volcanic eruptions

• The Late Heavy Bombardment

• Asteroid belt formation

• The Giant Impact

Why are there fewer maria on the far side of the Moon?

• The far side is older.

• The far side has more craters.

• The far side has a thicker crust.

• The far side is colder.

What are rilles on the Moon's surface?

• Lava tubes

• Mountain ranges

• Crater chains

• Ancient river beds

Where is water most likely to be found on the Moon?

• In deep craters near the poles

• In the maria

• On the far side

• In the highlands

What is one of the main reasons for renewed interest in lunar exploration?

• Discovering new maria

• Finding new types of craters

• The presence of water

• The potential for mining minerals