![]() Radiation spewed out by the Sun since the formation of the Moon's crust, was trapped in the lunar soil as a permanent record of solar activity throughout this time. ![]() This crust formation, the intense meteorite bombardment occurring afterward, and subsequent lava outpourings are recorded in the rocks. The overall set of lunar samples collected during the Apollo program can be classified into three major rock types, basalts, breccias, and lunar highland rocks. We have learned that a crust formed on the Moon 4.4 billion years ago. The chemical composition of the Moon, derived from studies of lunar rocks, is compatible with this theory of the origin of the Moon. Recent computer models indicate that the Moon could have been formed from the debris resulting from the Earth being struck a glancing blow by a planetary body about the size of Mars. That lunar sample along with most of the over 800 pounds of rocks Apollo astronauts brought back from the Moon are housed at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where they are still studied today. Study of rock and soil samples from the Moon continues to yield useful information about the early history of the Moon, the Earth, and the inner solar system. These are pieces of lunar rocks that have been launched off the Moon at >2.4 km/s (lunar escape velocity) during the impact of an asteroid or comet projectile. Originally it was thought to be a piece of the Moon's primordial crust. Nearly 400 samples are distributed each year for research and teaching projects. Made from real rock, this texture set complete with tools allows kids to shape. Only four minerals plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, olivine, and ilmenite account for 98-99 of the crystalline material of the lunar crust. The lunar sample laboratory is where pristine lunar samples are prepared for shipment to scientists and educators. Sculpt and play in tactile fun using this Lunar Rock play kit from Creative Kids. The lunar sample building at Johnson Space Center is the chief repository for the Apollo samples. ![]() In addition, three automated Soviet spacecraft returned important samples totaling 300 grams (approximately 3/4 pound) from three other lunar sites. The six space flights returned 2200 separate samples from six different exploration sites on the Moon. Shiny, black impact-generated glass was splashed on the side.īetween 19 six Apollo missions brought back 382 kilograms (842 pounds) of lunar rocks, core samples, pebbles, sand and dust from the lunar surface. Lunar Rocks and Soils from Apollo MissionsĪ one-Kg (2.2 lbs) Apollo 16 breccia rock formed from meteorite impact.
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