ABSTRACT

Secrets of the Moon: Understanding and Analysing the Lunar Surface provides a unique account of the origin of key features on the lunar surface. Containing historical accounts and the latest observations from the field, in addition to exciting data from the Apollo manned missions, it describes the development of our current understanding of our Moon. It also explores the fracturing of the Moon, a topic not explored in other literature in the area, and contains a statistical treatment of the smaller craters of the Moon, as well as a geological treatment of the larger craters. This moderately technical account is designed to clarify and update the general thinking on the nature and origin of the most important lunar surface features for both undergraduate and research students. It may also be read by the professional scientist, especially the astronomer and the geologist who has found little time to study the Moon’s topography, in addition to the lunar amateur astronomer and even the dedicated layman with a keen interest in lunar science. The book excludes nearly all mathematical symbols in order to remain accessible to those without a formal education in the area.

Key Features:

  • Authored by an expert in the area
  • Presents a comprehensive account of the lunar surface, from historical observations to the NASA Apollo manned missions and the latest observations and data in the field
  • Includes a statistical and geological treatment of the craters

Dr. Gilbert Fielder is Reader Emeritus at Lancaster University, United Kingdom. He performed extended teaching at Lancaster University on Planetary Science and introduced a new degree course on Remote Sensing. Prior to this, he was Principal Investigator in NASA’s Heat Capacity Mapping Programme, while continuing to head the Lunar and Planetary Unit at Lancaster until retirement. Dr. Fielder has authored several books, and presented many BBC and ITA television news programmes, as well as popular programmes with Sir Patrick Moore (on the BBC’s "The Sky at Night") and, on the occasion of the first landing of astronauts on the Moon, with David Frost as Chairman in a special programme.

chapter 1|5 pages

Preparatory Studies

chapter 2|6 pages

Studies at Manchester and the Pic du Midi

chapter 3|3 pages

Wrinkle Ridges

chapter 4|7 pages

The Straight Wall

chapter 5|5 pages

Thoughts on Mare Imbrium

chapter 6|2 pages

The Apparent Acceleration of the Moon

chapter 7|3 pages

The Slowing Rotation of the Earth

chapter 8|1 pages

The Receding Moon

chapter 9|4 pages

Distorted Craters

chapter 10|6 pages

The Lunar Grid System

chapter 12|6 pages

Faulting and the Rotation of the Moon

chapter 13|3 pages

The Origin of the Lunar Grid System

chapter 14|2 pages

Melting in the Moon

chapter 15|1 pages

The Origin of the Moon

chapter 16|10 pages

Fine Lineaments and Their Significance

chapter 17|3 pages

The Ages of the Lunar Surface Features

chapter 18|11 pages

The Origins of Small Craters

chapter 22|2 pages

Small Double Craters

chapter 24|2 pages

Dating the Mare Flows

chapter 25|1 pages

Studies of Large Craters

chapter 28|3 pages

Volcanic Tumuli on the Floor of Tycho

chapter 30|2 pages

Cracks in Tycho and Kilauea

chapter 31|5 pages

Central Peaks and the Impact Process

chapter 32|3 pages

The Crater Aristarchus

chapter 33|2 pages

The Crater Copernicus

chapter 34|3 pages

Dating the Lavas of Tycho and Aristarchus

chapter 35|4 pages

The Origin of the Lavas in Impact Craters

chapter 36|8 pages

Tensions in the Lunar Crust

chapter 38|14 pages

Maria, Rilles and Wrinkle Ridges

chapter 39|4 pages

Maria and Mascons

chapter 40|7 pages

Ghost Craters and Elementary Rings

chapter 41|3 pages

The Nature of the Lamont Complex

chapter 43|6 pages

Are There Ring Dykes on the Moon?

chapter 45|4 pages

Return to the Moon