Science Questions

Impact craters on the Moon

With regards impact craters on the Earth - how much would they differ on the Moon because of the lack of atmosphere, reduced gravity. Would a small meteor make a bigger crater? Alan

The same amount of energy will throw more material around.  However, because the moon has less gravity, the same size meteor hitting the moon will have less energy than it would if it hit the Earth.  For a collision with the same amount of energy you’ll get a bigger crater on the moon.  The big effect on the moon is they’re not getting eroded all the time by wind and weather.

June 2008