Jeff Plescia on the Lunar Interior

“In the sixth presentation of the Moon 101 lecture series, Dr. Jeff Plescia discusses the current understanding of the interior of the Moon. The presentation begins with a brief overview of the Moon from a geophysical perspective, and discusses the prevailing Giant impact Theory and Magma Ocean Theory resulting in the formation of the Moon and its differentiation into crust, mantle, and core. The presentation then focuses on the current understanding of the chemistry, mineralogy, and thickness of the lunar crust; the boundaries, depth, and mineralogy of the mantle; and the size and composition of the lunar core. Geophysical parameters of the Moon are then discussed, including: the seismic nature of the Moon, including shallow, deep, and thermal moonquakes and impact events; the lunar gravity field; magnetism; and heat flow.” [^ https://www.lpi.usra.edu/lunar/moon101/#interior]

Presented at the NASA Johnson Space Center: 08/13/2008

Video:

https://www.lpi.usra.edu/lunar/moon101/plesciaInterior/

Slides:

http://spudislunarresources.nss.org/moon101/moon_101_interior.pdf