Certificate of Achievement
has completed the following course:
The Earth is the only planet with just a single moon. Some moons are bigger than ours; many are smaller. Icy bodies beyond the orbit of Neptune have moons. Tiny moons orbit asteroids. Some moons have volcanic eruptions. One has seas of liquid methane. Many have internal oceans where primitive life might exist. Our own Moon has resources that could help for future exploration. This course explores the rich diversity of moons, the processes that have shaped them, and the Moon-Earth relationship.
8 weeks, 3 hours per week
Dave Hall
University Secretary
The Open University
Transcript
Learning outcomes
- Develop an awareness of the nature and diversity of moons in our Solar System, and their significance.
- Explain and understand the general nature of moons’ orbits and the effects of tides.
- Describe some of the possible origins of moons.
- Describe the compositions and nature of the surfaces and interiors of moons.
- Calculate and understand how impact craters are formed and recognise their significance for dating surfaces.
- Describe the nature and history of volcanic activity on several moons.
- Assess and be aware of which moons may have subsurface oceans, and the implications for hosting native life.
- Classify and become aware of the history of manned and unmanned lunar exploration, and of some of the major discoveries.
- Identify and recognise aspects of lunar samples seen under the microscope.
- Describe the different settings in which ‘water’ has been found on the Moon.
- Describe and be aware of the history of discovery and exploration of moons, and of future prospects.
- Reflect and suggest ways in which resources from the Moon may help future space exploration.
Syllabus
- What are moons?
- Moons and what they are made of; craters and cratering
- Volcanism on moons, Europa, small moons
- Our Moon and how it has been explored
- What we have learned from the Moon
- Water on the Moon, and the future of lunar exploration
- Exploring other moons:
- Moons and the future; how many of them host life?
Issued on 27th November 2017
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