It's not easy to make the Moon

Article Abstract:

The giant impact theory for the origin of the Moon is widely accepted because it appears to satisfy certain chemical and dynamical lunar characteristics. Such an impact is likely to result in a circumterrestrial disc. New simulations have sought to discover how a moon can grow from such a disk and show that debris can produce a single, large moon in under a year. The experiment suggests that there is a direct correlation between the angular momentum of the disk and the mass of the resulting moon.

Origin

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Twice in a blue moon

Article Abstract:

Astronomers have identified two new moons of Uranus that make Uranus' solar system appear similar to that of other large planets. The satellites, known as S/1997U1 and S/1997U2, are 'irregular' and orbit the planet at an approximate 5.8 million kilometer mean distance. The satellites have large inclinations and eccentricities compared to standard satellites. The origin of irregular satellites is unknown, but it is widely believed that they did not form in situ.

Discovery and exploration, Satellites, Satellites (Astronomical bodies), Uranus (Planet)

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A rougher, tougher Moon

Article Abstract:

The Clementine spacecraft, which made a topographic survey of the Moon and the lunar gravity field, provides evidence for the existence of several impact basins on the lunar surface. Imaging studies confirm the abundance of ferromagnesium materials on the floor of the significant South Pole-Aitken basin. The gravity and topography of some impact basins that remain unfilled by mare basalt deposits are not consistent with complete isostatic compensation.

Observations, Space flight to the moon, Lunar flights, Lunar surface

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