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Chapter 10: Problem 13

Why was it useful for the Apollo astronauts to bring magnetometers and seismometers to the Moon?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Magnetometers and seismometers were brought to the Moon during the Apollo missions to help researchers investigate the lunar subsurface, its magnetic field, internal structure, and seismic activity. This information has been fundamental in advancing our understanding of the Moon’s geological configuration and history.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Functions of the Instruments

Firstly, it is important to understand what these instruments do. A magnetometer is an instrument that measures magnetism, either the magnetization of a magnetic material like a ferromagnet, or the direction, strength, or relative change of a magnetic field. On the other hand, a seismometer is a device that responds to ground motions, such as caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and explosions. They are used for providing information of how waves travel through the Earth's lithosphere.
02

Understanding the Need for these Instruments on the Moon

Secondly, we need to understand why these instruments would be needed on the Moon. Magnetometers were likely used on the Moon to investigate the lunar subsurface and its magnetic field, which can provide information on the Moon's internal structure and the history of its magnetic field. Seismometers were used to measure moonquakes and the internal structure of the moon. For example, seismic observations have revealed that the Moon has a thin crust, a small core, and is much less geologically active than Earth.
03

Conclusion

In conclusion, these instruments were important on the Apollo missions because they provided valuable information about the geology and internal structure of the moon, as well as its magnetic field. This data is integral to our understanding of the Moon, its formation, and its history.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Briefly describe the main differences and similarities between Moon rocks and Earth rocks.

Describe the differences between the maria and the lunar highlands. Which kind of terrain covers more of the Moon's surface? Which kind of terrain is more heavily cratered? Which kind of terrain was formed later in the Moon's history? How do we know?

Is it correct to say that the Moon orbits the Earth? If not, what is a more correct description?

Comment on the idea that without the presence of the Moon in our sky, astronomy would have developed far more slowly.

In a whimsical moment during the Apollo 14 mission, astronaut Alan Shepard hit two golf balls over the lunar surface. Give two reasons why they traveled much farther than golf balls do on Earth.
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