Lunar Disc

Question 1

2.4 - Understand the structure and origin of the principal naked-eye lunar surface formations, including - Craters

Answer 1

Most of these craters are ancient and formed during the Moon’s early evolution through heavy bombardment of impacts from materials left over from the Sun’s accretion disc.

Question 2

2.4 - Understand the structure and origin of the principal naked-eye lunar surface formations, including - Maria

Answer 2

Maria are dark areas on the moon. less cratered

Composed of basalt formed from surface lava flows

Question 3

2.4 - Understand the structure and origin of the principal naked-eye lunar surface formations, including - Terrae

Answer 3

Brighter, more cratered
Bright areas higher on the Moon’s surface than Maria.
Hilly. mountainous and brighter than maria.
Formed by process of magmatic differentiation.

Question 4

2.4 - Understand the structure and origin of the principal naked-eye lunar surface formations, including -Mountains

Answer 4

Lunar mountains are thought to have been formed by impacts that released magma under the early lunar surface

Question 5

2.4 - Understand the structure and origin of the principal naked-eye lunar surface formations, including - Valleys

Answer 5

Valleys are long depressions on the Moon’s surface.
Geological faults caused by collapsed lava tubes.
When lava flowed on the Moon, the top and sides of these tubes solidified first while lava flowed underneath. When this lava moved away or solidified, the top or roof of the tube collapsed, leaving these rilles.

Question 6

What is diurnal libration?

Answer 6

The rotation of the Earth lets us see more of its surface when the Moon is near the Horizon as we are seeing the Moon from a higher angle. More of the Eastern limb can be seen at Moonrise, more of the western limb at Moonset.

Question 7

What is libration in latitude?

Answer 7

The equator of the moon is tilted from its orbital plane.

Question 8

What is libration in longitude?

Answer 8

allows us to observe more of the Moon’s surface on its western and eastern limbs due to the Moon’s elliptical orbit.

Question 9

What is the origin of seas on the moon?

Answer 9

Seas on the moon are formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.

Question 10

An astronomer is planning to observe diurnal libration.

Which phase of the Moon will permit the astronomer’s observations?

Answer 10

New moon