Formation of the Moon and Earth's Structure

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the formation of the moon and the structural composition of the Earth as discussed during the lecture.

Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter

NASA's spacecraft that has provided detailed images of the moon's surface and its history.

South Polakian Basin

One of the two largest known impact basins on the moon, formed by a huge object impacting the moon's South Pole.

Late Heavy Bombardment

A period in the solar system's history (approximately 4.1 to 3.8 billion years ago) when the moon and inner planets were heavily impacted by asteroids and comets.

Lunar Maria

Dark basaltic plains on the moon formed by ancient volcanic activity.

Lithosphere

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Asthenosphere

The layer beneath the lithosphere in the upper mantle, which can flow slowly and is made of partially molten rock.

Tectonic Plates

Large slabs of lithosphere that slide around on the asthenosphere, involved in geological processes such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Crust

The outermost solid layer of the Earth, consisting of lighter elements and rocks.

Mantle

The layer beneath the Earth's crust, made of denser, heavier rock.

Core

The innermost layer of the Earth, consisting of a solid inner core and a partially molten outer core, primarily made of iron and nickel.

Magnetosphere

The magnetic field surrounding the Earth that protects it from harmful solar radiation.

Formation of the Moon

Scientifically theorized to have occurred as a result of a Mars-sized body impacting the Earth, ejecting debris that eventually coalesced into the moon.

Volcanic Activity on the Moon

The process through which magma flowed out through cracks in the moon's surface, contributing to the formation of lunar maria.

Distance from Earth

The moon is currently approximately 384,400 kilometers from Earth and is moving away at a rate of about 1.5 inches per year.

Atmosphere Comparison

The Earth has a protective atmosphere that prevents small space debris from impacting, unlike the moon, which has no significant atmosphere.