Open AccessNew views of the Moon: Improved understanding through data integration
Author(s) -
Jolliff Bradley L.,
Gaddis L. R.,
Ryder G.,
Neal C. R.,
Shearer C. K.,
Elphic R. C.,
Johnson J. R.,
Keller L. P.,
Kerotev R. L.,
Lawrence D. J.,
Lucey P. G.,
Papike J. J.,
Pieters C. M.,
Spudis P. D.,
Taylor L. A.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
eos, transactions american geophysical union
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.316
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 2324-9250
pISSN - 0096-3941
DOI - 10.1029/00eo00259
Subject(s) - astrobiology , regolith , geology , solar system , impact crater , crust , lunar orbit , lunar craters , geology of the moon , earth science , geophysics , astronomy , paleontology , spacecraft , physics , basalt
Understanding the Moon is crucial to future exploration of the solar system. The Moon preserves a record of the first billion years of the Earth‐Moon systems history, including evidence of the Moons origin as accumulated debris from a giant impact into early Earth. Lunar rocks provide evidence of early differentiation and extraction of a crust. Lacking an atmospheric shield, the Moon's regolith retains a record of the activity of solar wind over the past 4 billion years. It also holds a complete record of impact cratering, and analysis of samples has allowed calibration of ages, and thus dating of other planetary surfaces. And because of its proximity to Earth, it's low gravity well, and stable surface, the Moon's resources will be useful both in establishing lunar habitations and as fuel for exploration beyond the Moon.