Moon and Space Exploration Notes

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Surface Features Crater – bowl shaped depression caused by an impact (mainly meteorites). Ejecta – material thrown out of the impact crater. Rays – bright streaks of ejecta extending outward from impact crater.

More Surface Features Regolith – a layer of crushed rock and dust (from impacts) that covers the moon’s surface. Maria – dark, flat areas on the moon that are made up of solidified lava. Rilles – long, deep channels thought to be left over lava tubes within the maria. Highlands – white elevated areas on the moon’s surface.

FORMATION OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM

FORMATION OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM a) Nebula collapses due to gravity. b) As nebula rotates, it flattens into disk. c) Nebula is more concentrated and warmer at center (Will become the Sun). d) Planetesimals form within the swirling disk. e) Small planetisimals collide with larger ones, planets grow f) Excess gas and dust is removed (has collided with other objects), creating a new solar system (planets around the Sun).

Nebular Hypothesis (aka Solar Nebula Theory) Highlights The Sun formed BEFORE the planets Little planets are called Planetesimals Leftover debris became the meteors, asteroids, satellites (moons) and comets in our solar system!

STAGES OF PLANET DEVELOPMENT