The Lunar Disc

Question 1

Shape of the Moon

Answer 1

Oblate Spheroid

Question 2

Appearances of Lunar formations (Craters, Maria, Terrae, Mountains, Valleys)

Answer 2

Craters are lighter dots on the surface, best viewed with shadows
Maria (seas) are large dark grey areas best viewed at full moon
Terrae(highlands) are lighter
Mountains are lighter still best viewed with shadow
Valleys are long, narrow depressions

Question 3

Identify features in the lunar disc

Answer 3

Learn this now

Question 4

Describe the orbital periodof the moon

Answer 4

It is synchronous, its rotation and revolution periods are the same, this is caused by Earths gravity and also occurs on moons of other planets

Question 5

We can see in total about 59% of the moon due to lunar liberation, how?

Answer 5

The moon wobbling slightly in its orbit, so we can see over or under it.
The moons varying speed allows us to ‘peek’ round the corners of the moon

Question 6

Formation of terrae

Answer 6

Oldest part of the moon, formed from an early solidified crust, heavily cratered and ref.ective

Question 7

Formation of Maria

Answer 7

Dark flat plains formed after large impacts which caused lava to flood the basins, and so,doofus into dark rock. Younger than the highlands and less cratered

Question 8

Formation of Mountains

Answer 8

Formed as raised edges of large impact basins.

Question 9

Formation of valleys

Answer 9

Can be caused by collapsed lava tubes or crust faulting, as well as in between mountain ranges

Question 10

Differences between the near and far sides of the moon

Answer 10

Near side has many Maria, is less cratered as it is younger. Thinner crust
Far side is mostly terrae, more cratered as it is older Thicker Crust and not visible. First to see was Russian Luna 3