Going to the Moon
Although Apollo 11 was the first mission to put humans on the Moon, it was not the first spacecraft to land.
Exploring our Moon - for iPod/iPhone
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How was the Moon created? What is the moon made off? Decades after human’s first landed on the Moon, we still lots of questions about the Earth’s only natural satellite. Through the rocks brought back from various missions to the Moon we’ve been given a fascinating insight not only into the moons composition but also into the history of our solar system. But there remains a vast amount of the Moon’s lunar surface to discover, and there are still numerous theories as to how our Moon came to be. In this collection scientists discuss examining the first moon rocks and through the Open University’s virtual microscope you can explore these samples for yourself. The collection also provides an animation showing the Moon’s orbit and explains the three main theories that explain the origin of the Moon.
The Moons orbit
A moon is a natural satellite that orbits another, always larger, Solar System body.
The Moon’s origin
What’s the most likely origin of the Moon? There are three classic explanations but all are flawed in some way.
What we've learned about the Moon
Dave Vaniman reflects on his experience of seeing rocks brought back from the Moon.
Moon rocks: a scientist's view
Larry Taylor reflects on types of rocks on the Moon and the contrast between the lunar highlands and the maria.
Moon rocks under the microscope
The Open University’s Simon Kelley explains how to use the virtual microscope.