Big Questions in Lunar Science and Exploration

Explore the forefront of lunar research and discovery in this one-hour lecture presented by Dr. Parvathy Prem from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. Delve into the major questions driving current lunar science and exploration efforts, covering topics such as remote sensing techniques, solar system bombardment, lunar interior and crustal evolution, polar volatiles, volcanism, impact cratering, and regolith processes. Gain insights into the complex interplay of dust, plasma, and volatile cycles on the Moon. Designed for teachers and students in the 2022–2023 ExMASS program, this comprehensive overview provides a solid foundation for understanding the latest developments in lunar studies and their implications for future exploration.

Intro
Introduction and Overview
Neighbors
Remote Sensing 101
Mapping, Measurements, Microscopes, and Models
Solar System Bombardment
Lunar Interior Evolution
Crustal Evolution
Polar Volatiles
Lunar Volcanism
Impact Cratering
Regolith Processes and Space Weathering
Dust, Plasma, and the Volatile Cycle
Closing Thoughts