Since the first lunar mission by Apollo 11 in 1969, numerous spacecrafts have visited the moon to observe its features. Amongst the most common and fascinating features are the moon’s many craters. But how do we identify and locate them? In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to identify the mysterious lunar craters.
What are Moon Craters?
Moon craters are large pits, typically circular in shape, on the moon’s surface and are typically formed when asteroid-sized projectiles slam into the moon’s surface. They range in size from a few meters wide, to ones that are hundreds of kilometers.
The Formation of Moon Craters
As previously stated, moon craters form when a projectile, ranging from a pebble or a rock to a large asteroid, impacts the moon’s surface with a great force. Usually these projectiles are debris from an object orbiting in outer space, such as the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, that eventually make their way to the moon. Once the impact occurs, the energy from the impact is released in the form of heat and light, which then vaporizes the surface, propells the target material out of the crater, and excavates a permanent crater.
How to Identify Moon Craters
Now that we know what moon craters are and how they come to be, let’s identify them. Here are three main techniques for identifying moon craters:
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Visual Inspection: By looking through binoculars or a telescope, you should be able to identify craters on the moon. Generally, they will appear to be small round depressions.
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Astronomical Images: Taking pictures of the moon and studying them closely will help you identify the craters effectively. Professional astronomers use high-powered telescopes and cameras to take pictures of the moon and study the details.
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Geometry: Using geometric measurements, such as a combination of your eyes, a telescope, and a map, you can determine the size, shape, and distance between craters. This is a great way to analyze and compare the craters on the moon.
Types of Moon Craters
Once you’ve successfully identified a crater on the moon, you’ll want to classify it for further study. The most common classifications are based on the crater size. They are generally broken down into the following main types:
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Primary Craters: These are the largest and oldest craters, typically hundreds of kilometers in diameter.
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Secondary Craters: These craters are slightly smaller than primary craters, typically ranging between 10-50 kilometers in diameter.
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Sub-Secondary Craters: These are the smallest craters, typically only a few kilometers in diameter.
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Secondary Impact Craters: These craters are formed when the debris ejected from primary and secondary craters impacts the moon.
The moon is full of interesting craters that can be identified and studied. By following the methods listed above, you should be able to successfully track down, identify, and classify the various types of moon craters. The great thing about this is that you don’t have to have any fancy equipment in order to spot them; all you need is a pair of binoculars and a telescope, and you’re off to the lunar races. Happy observing!