Astronomy project
Moderators: kgudger, Moderators
-
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Tue Sep 09, 2014 7:02 pm
- Occupation: Student: 9th grade
- Project Question: I just need help with a project
- Project Due Date: n/a
- Project Status: I am just starting
Astronomy project
Is there any minerals on earth that resembles moon dust?
-
- Former Expert
- Posts: 1415
- Joined: Sat Nov 08, 2003 11:27 pm
- Occupation: Planetary Scientist
- Project Question: N/A
- Project Due Date: N/A
- Project Status: Not applicable
Re: Astronomy project
Hi meyerscj18,
Welcome to the Ask an Expert forums!The minerals on the Moon are the same kinds of minerals we have here on Earth. "Moon dust" is powdered Moon rock that has been pulverized by the repeated impacts of asteroids, comets, and cosmic dust into the Moon.
When you look up at the Moon, the brighter regions of the Moon (called the highlands) are primarily made of a mineral called anorthite, which is a type of feldspar. The major minerals in the darker, circular portions of the Moon (called mare) are pyroxene and feldspar. Here on Earth, we also have feldspars and pyroxenes. Other minerals are present on the Moon, but those other minerals are not as common.
What type of experiment are you thinking of doing? With a few more details, I will be better able to help you identify an analog for "Moon dust" (which scientists refer to as the "lunar regolith").
Welcome to the Ask an Expert forums!The minerals on the Moon are the same kinds of minerals we have here on Earth. "Moon dust" is powdered Moon rock that has been pulverized by the repeated impacts of asteroids, comets, and cosmic dust into the Moon.
When you look up at the Moon, the brighter regions of the Moon (called the highlands) are primarily made of a mineral called anorthite, which is a type of feldspar. The major minerals in the darker, circular portions of the Moon (called mare) are pyroxene and feldspar. Here on Earth, we also have feldspars and pyroxenes. Other minerals are present on the Moon, but those other minerals are not as common.
What type of experiment are you thinking of doing? With a few more details, I will be better able to help you identify an analog for "Moon dust" (which scientists refer to as the "lunar regolith").
All the best,
Terik
Terik