selenology
Lunar surface study
Selenology is the scientific study of the moon—its geology, surface features, composition, and origin.
The term parallels geology but applies specifically to Earth's moon.
A scientist in this field is a selenologist.
The Apollo missions advanced selenology dramatically by returning lunar samples for analysis.
Fragmented covering over bedrock
- mariaDark lunar plains
- highlandsElevated, hilly land areas
- cratersImpact-formed depressions
- impactForceful contact or consequence
ejecta · basin · domes · scarps · breccia · pyroclastics · palimpsest · stratigraphy
Natural planetary satellite
- orbitCurved celestial path
- tidesPeriodic sea-level changes
- gravityMutual mass attraction
- librationApparent rocking motion
perigee · apogee · syzygy · lunation · barycenter · perturbation · recession
Coating for shine
- waningGradually decreasing in intensity
- gibbousConvexly swollen shape
- crescentCurved sickle-like arc
- illuminationProvision of light
moonlight · earthshine · terminator · penumbra · umbra · eclipse
Science of inorganic solids
- basaltFine-grained volcanic stone
- pyroxeneRock-forming silicate group
- olivineGreen igneous rock mineral
- silicatesSilicon-oxygen bonded minerals
magma · differentiation · geochronology · radioactivity · seismicity · volcanism · petrology · isotopes
Facility for celestial study
- telescopeInstrument magnifying faraway objects
- astrophysicsPhysics of celestial bodies
- cosmologyStudy of universal structure
- spaceUnoccupied area or interval
celestial · astronomer · night-sky · observation · spectroscopy · photometry · astrometry · albedo
regolith
Fragmented covering over bedrock
impact · ejecta · basin · domes · scarps · breccia · pyroclastics · palimpsest · stratigraphy · nomenclature
moon
Natural planetary satellite
libration · perigee · apogee · syzygy · lunation · barycenter · perturbation · recession
waxing
Coating for shine
illumination · moonlight · earthshine · terminator · penumbra · umbra · eclipse
mineralogy
Science of inorganic solids
- basaltFine-grained volcanic stone
- pyroxeneRock-forming silicate group
- olivineGreen igneous rock mineral
silicates · magma · differentiation · geochronology · radioactivity · seismicity · volcanism · petrology · isotopes · crystallization
observatory
Facility for celestial study
- telescopeInstrument magnifying faraway objects
- astrophysicsPhysics of celestial bodies
- cosmologyStudy of universal structure
space · celestial · astronomer · night-sky · observation · spectroscopy · photometry · astrometry · albedo · libration