Clicker Question: The surface gravity of the moon is 1/6 that of Earth. If Matt weighs 120 lbs on Earth, how much does he weigh standing on the moon? A: 120 lbs B: 60 lbs C: 30 lbs D: 20 lbs E: 10 lbs

Clicker Question: Suppose the Moon was half as dense, but the same size. How much would Matt (120 lbs on Earth) weigh? A: 120 lbs B: 60 lbs C: 30 lbs D: 20 lbs E: 10 lbs

Earth and the Moon in Bulk Density of surface rocks on moon similar to overall density of 3.3 g/cm 3 This + magnetometer data suggests Moon’s iron core is small – 300 km

Earth and the Moon Moon stabilizes Earth’s rotational axis, maintains 23.5 degree tilt => gives us stable climate, seasons, etc. Earth’s rotational period is slowing down – day is getting longer Moon is moving away from earth => 3.8 cm or 1.5 inches per year

Magnetospheres The magnetosphere is the region around Earth where charged particles from the solar wind are trapped.

Magnetospheres These charged particles are trapped in areas called the Van Allen belts, where they spiral around the magnetic field lines.

Magnetospheres Near the poles, the Van Allen belts intersect the atmosphere. The charged particles can escape; when they do, they create glowing light called an aurora.

Aurora over Iceland – March 18, 2012 NASA: Astronomy Picture of the Day NASA: Astronomy Picture of the Day (

The Greenhouse Effect Main greenhouse gases are H 2 O and CO 2. O 2 – 21% H 2 O – 0-4% CO 2 – 0.039% If no greenhouse effect, surface would be 26 o F

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC – UN Agency) says Translating terminology into probabilities

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC – UN Agency) says What does this mean? The consensus of the IPCC is that there is a 90% probability that human activity contributed signifcantly to the 1 degree F increase in global temperature over the past 50 years.

About 2 degrees F since 1850

Temperature for last 14,000 years

Burning carbon-containing fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide. (Combustion) C + O 2 CO 2 Global Warming Basics Burning Fossil Fuels is the Primary Cause Global Warming: The Greatest Threat © 2006 Deborah L. Williams

Global Warming Basics Global Warming: The Greatest Threat © 2006 Deborah L. Williams  Humans have increased carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in the atmosphere by more than 35% since the Industrial Revolution. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 2006)  The most carbon dioxide in 650,000 years. (IPCC 2007)  Jan 2011 – PPM Jan 2012 – PPM  80% of all greenhouse gas emissions (National Library of Medicine) (CO 2 ) 10,000 BC ppm

CO 2 in Atmosphere and Temperature Note variation vs. local change

CO 2 in Atmosphere and Temperature

Temperature Predictions.