Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to Re: And we should listen to you...because?

Earth Analogs for the Moon...

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http://www.castfvg.it/zzz/confere/images01/metecrat.jpg

An image of the crater in Arizona...

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/images/scraters/scraters_S04.gif

Theophilus on the Moon...

***The geographical features on Earth most like that of the moon are, in fact, places such as the Hawaiian volcanic craters and the huge meteor crater in Arizona (seen at left). The Apollo astronauts actually trained in both of these places in preparation for their lunar missions. The climate on the Moon is very unlike either Hawaii or Arizona, however; in fact, the temperature on the Moon ranges between 123° C (253° F) to -233° C (-451° F).***

http://www.chameleonca.com/science/moon-watch/gofigure.html

***Starting in 1963, the Astrogeology Research Program played an important role in training astronauts destined to explore the lunar surface and in supporting the testing of equipment for both manned and unmanned missions. As part of the astronauts' training, USGS and NASA geoscientists gave lectures and field trips during the 1960's and early 1970's to teach astronauts the basics of terrestrial and lunar geology. Field trips included excursions into the Grand Canyon to demonstrate the development of geologic structure over time; Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff) and Kitt Peak National Observatory (Tucson); Meteor Crater east of Flagstaff ; and Sunset Crater cinder cone and nearby lava flows in the Flagstaff area. This training was essential to giving astronauts the skills and understanding to make observations about what they would see on the lunar surface and to collect samples for later study back on Earth. The volcanic fields around Flagstaff have proven particularly useful in testing equipment and training astronauts. Cameras planned for use in the Surveyor project were tested on the Bonito Flow in Sunset Crater National Park because the lava flow appeared to be similar to flows on the lunar surface. A field of artificial impact craters were created in the Cinder Lakes volcanic field near Flagstaff to create a surface similar to the proposed first manned American landing site on the Moon.***

http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/About/AstroHistory/astronauts.html

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