NASA | LRO's Diviner Takes the Moon's Temperature

The video explains lunar eclipses, which occur when the Earth's shadow covers the moon, and describes what a lunar eclipse would look like from the moon's perspective. It highlights the scientific opportunities presented by such events, particularly for studying the moon's surface. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter uses the eclipse to measure temperature variations on the moon, providing insights into the surface's roughness and rock density. These measurements are more precise than those from Earth-based telescopes, offering new information about the moon's geology.

What is a lunar eclipse and how often does it occur?

• A lunar eclipse is when the sun's shadow falls on the moon, occurring once every decade.

• A lunar eclipse is when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, occurring once a year.

• A lunar eclipse is when the Earth's shadow falls on the moon, occurring at least twice a year.

• A lunar eclipse is when the moon's shadow falls on the Earth, occurring every month.

From the moon's perspective, what does a lunar eclipse look like?

• A lunar eclipse looks like a solar eclipse with the Earth blocking the sun.

• A lunar eclipse looks like a full moon with no changes.

• A lunar eclipse looks like a new moon with no light.

• A lunar eclipse looks like a partial solar eclipse with the moon blocking the sun.

What unique opportunity does a lunar eclipse provide to scientists?

• It offers a unique opportunity to study the moon's surface.

• It helps scientists measure the distance between the Earth and the moon.

• It allows scientists to study the sun's surface.

• It provides a chance to observe the Earth's atmosphere.

How do scientists use temperature measurements during a lunar eclipse?

• To determine the color of the moon's surface.

• To measure the distance between the Earth and the moon.

• To identify rough areas on the moon by observing cooling rates.

• To calculate the speed of the moon's orbit.

What can scientists infer from the temperature data collected during a lunar eclipse?

• The presence of water on the moon.

• The size and density of moon rocks.

• The age of the moon.

• The gravitational pull of the moon.