Mare tranquillitatis

Definition

Mare Tranquillitatis, or the Sea of Tranquility, is one of the largest and most well-known lunar maria, located on the Moon's surface. This vast, flat area was formed by ancient volcanic activity and is characterized by its smooth basalt plains, making it a significant site for lunar exploration. It gained fame as the landing site of Apollo 11 in 1969, where humans first set foot on the Moon, further cementing its importance in the study of lunar geology and the history of space exploration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mare Tranquillitatis covers an area of about 2.5 million square kilometers, making it one of the largest maria on the Moon.
2. The name 'Sea of Tranquility' is derived from Latin, reflecting early astronomers' belief that these dark areas were actually seas.
3. The Apollo 11 mission took place on July 20, 1969, marking a historic moment when Neil Armstrong became the first human to step onto the Moon's surface.
4. Mare Tranquillitatis is relatively young compared to other maria, with its formation occurring around 3 billion years ago.
5. The geological features of Mare Tranquillitatis provide valuable insights into the Moon's volcanic history and contribute to our understanding of planetary formation.

Review Questions

• How did Mare Tranquillitatis contribute to our understanding of lunar geology?
  • Mare Tranquillitatis plays a crucial role in understanding lunar geology because its formation and composition offer insights into volcanic activity on the Moon. The smooth basalt plains indicate that lava flow occurred in this area, allowing scientists to study the age and processes involved in its formation. By analyzing rock samples collected during the Apollo 11 mission, researchers have been able to determine the timeline of volcanic activity and better understand the Moon's geological history.
• What were the implications of the Apollo 11 landing on Mare Tranquillitatis for future space exploration?
  • The Apollo 11 landing on Mare Tranquillitatis had profound implications for future space exploration by demonstrating that human beings could safely travel to and explore extraterrestrial bodies. This mission not only advanced technological capabilities but also inspired subsequent lunar missions and encouraged international interest in space research. The success of Apollo 11 laid the groundwork for future exploration initiatives, including robotic missions and plans for human presence on Mars.
• Evaluate how Mare Tranquillitatis symbolizes humanity's quest for knowledge and exploration beyond Earth.
  • Mare Tranquillitatis symbolizes humanity's quest for knowledge and exploration as it represents a pivotal moment when humans ventured beyond Earth for the first time. The landing of Apollo 11 marked a significant achievement in scientific exploration, showcasing human ingenuity and determination to uncover the mysteries of space. This event not only sparked global interest in astronomy but also prompted discussions about our place in the universe and the potential for future exploration beyond our home planet.

Related terms

Lunar Maria: Large, dark basaltic plains on the Moon's surface formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, commonly referred to as 'seas.'

Apollo 11: The first manned mission to land on the Moon, which took place in July 1969, with astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walking on Mare Tranquillitatis.

Basalt: A type of volcanic rock that is dark-colored and fine-grained, commonly found in the lunar maria due to past volcanic activity.