NASA | LRO's Diviner Takes the Moon's Temperature During Dec. 10, 2011 Eclipse

The video explains lunar eclipses, occurring twice a year, and explores what they look like from the moon, where they appear as solar eclipses. It highlights the scientific opportunities these events provide, particularly for studying the moon's surface. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter uses the Diviner instrument to measure temperature changes on the moon, revealing surface roughness and rock density. These high-resolution observations offer new insights into the moon's geology.

What is a lunar eclipse and how often does it occur?

• A phenomenon where the sun is blocked by the moon

• A change in the moon's appearance due to Earth's shadow, occurring at least twice a year

• A solar event occurring once a year

• A rare event that happens every decade

From the moon's perspective, what does a lunar eclipse look like?

• A total blackout

• A lunar eclipse

• A solar eclipse with Earth blocking the sun

• A meteor shower

What unique opportunity does a lunar eclipse provide to scientists?

• Observing the Earth's atmosphere

• Measuring the distance between Earth and the moon

• Studying the sun's surface

• Studying the moon's surface during a large-scale lights out

How does the Diviner instrument help scientists during a lunar eclipse?

• By analyzing the Earth's shadow

• By measuring the moon's temperature at high resolution

• By sending astronauts to the moon

• By capturing images of the moon

What can scientists infer from the temperature measurements taken by the Diviner instrument?

• The distance of the moon from Earth

• The size and density of moon rocks

• The age of the moon

• The color of the moon's surface