Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: The impact history of the Moon has significant implications beyond simply excavating the surface of our nearest neighbor. The age distribution of lunar impact breccias inspired the idea of a catastrophic influx of asteroids and comets about 4 billion years ago and motivated new models of planetary dynamics. An epoch of heavy bombardment after planets had atmospheres and continents would have influenced the course of biologic evolution. The story of a cataclysmic bombardment, written in the rocks of the Moon, has far-reaching consequences.
Author: B. A. Cohen
Institution: Goddard Space Flight Center
Language: English
Topic: Astro and Planetary Science
Subfield: Space and Planetary Science
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2766347398