Measuring Lunar Mountains

Abstract

Even a small telescope reveals many lunar surface features, a fact for which countless numbers of amateur astronomers have been grateful. The appearance of the lunar maria (dry lava beds, misnamed “seas”), walled plains, craters, and mountains testifies to the similarities between terrestrial and lunar landscapes. These features argue for the unity of nature and its laws throughout the universe, although cosmic matter can be seen under more exotic conditions than those prevailing on Earth or the Moon. Mountains on the Moon have varied origins: they may be blocks of lunar crust which were uplifted during the creation of huge impact basins; they may be ejecta created during crater impact; some may be volcanic domes. Therefore, they are found at the margins of the maria and in centers and raised walls of craters. The actual heights of lunar mountains are similar to those of Earth but as a percentage of global diameter, the lunar mountains are proportionately higher.