Paul Spudis’ Introduction to the Moon

“In the first presentation of the Moon 101 lecture series, Dr. Paul Spudis gives an introduction to the Moon, providing an overview of the more detailed Moon 101 lectures to follow. The presentation begins by describing the nature of the Moon as a heavily cratered rocky planet, and compares the general properties of the Moon to those of the Earth and Mars. Global images and elemental composition maps are then followed by discussions of: the thermal and micrometeorite environments on the lunar surface; the Moon’s orbit and resulting eclipses and lunar librations as viewed from Earth; surface topography; moment of inertia; surface morphology and physiography; landscapes and terrains; the surface lighting environment; regolith and dust; and the origin of the Moon. The presentation concludes with a review of past and current robotic exploration missions to the Moon.” [^ https://www.lpi.usra.edu/lunar/moon101/#intro]

Presented at the NASA Johnson Space Center: 06/04/2008

Video:

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

PDF:

https://spudislunarresources.nss.org/moon101/moon_101_intro.pdf