The Moon
Lunar Science and Exploration
Ever since the world marveled at the first step, we’ve been diligently contemplating the second.
Explore all aspects of our current knowledge of the Moon—from lunar mission summaries to lunar samples, from lunar images and maps to lunar landing site studies, including computational tools and educational products at the Lunar and Planetary Institute Lunar Science and Exploration portal.
The Scientific Context for Exploration of the Moon
“We know more about many aspects of the Moon than about any world beyond our own, and yet we have barely begun to solve its countless mysteries. The Moon is, above all, a witness to 4.5 billion years (Ga) of solar system history, and it has recorded that history more completely and more clearly than has any other planetary body. Nowhere else can we see back with such clarity to the time when Earth and the other terrestrial planets were formed and life emerged on Earth.”
“After a substantial hiatus in lunar science and exploration activities, the next two decades will be marked by a major resurgence in lunar missions and high potential for scientific return. In order to realize this benefit from the initial series of missions, NASA needs a comprehensive, well-validated, and prioritized set of scientific research objectives for a program of exploration of the Moon. The purpose of this report is to provide scientific input to NASA’s planning process.”
Read the entire report
Further Resources
The Moon from the NASA World Book
The Moon from NASA and the National Space Science Data Center
Exploration – NASA’s Plans to Explore the Moon, Mars and Beyond
NASA Lunar Science Institute (NLSI)
Lunar Science for Kids from the NASA Lunar Science Institute
