Moon

• Plot of the Earth-Moon system (Large File 17.1 MB)

• Plot of Apollo 11 S-IVB at the point of separation on 1969-07-16 18:12 and injection into heliocentric orbit (Large File: 4.7 MB) here

• Earth-centered animation of Apollo 11 S-IVB from 1969-07-16 17:40 through 1969-07-19 13:40, into its heliocentric orbit (Large File: 3.9 MB) here

• Moon-centered animation of Apollo 11 S-IVB from 1969-07-16 17:40 through 1969-07-19 13:40, into its heliocentric orbit (File: 676 KB) here

Overall

Our Moon visualization is scientifically accurate. The code shows detailed layers representing the Moon's inner core, outer core, mantle, crust, exosphere, and Hill sphere. The implementation demonstrates excellent understanding of the Moon's unique characteristics and provides educational content based on Apollo mission findings and recent research.

Inner Core

The inner core representation (radius fraction 0.1485, approximately 240 km radius) is scientifically accurate based on recent seismic studies. The description correctly notes that "Seismic data from Apollo missions and more recent studies of the Moon's wobble suggest: Inner Core: Believed to be a solid, iron-rich core, roughly 240 kilometers in radius". The temperature estimate of 1600-1700K and the resulting dark red-orange color choice are scientifically appropriate for these conditions.

Outer Core

The outer core visualization (radius fraction 0.2083, approximately 330 km radius) accurately represents current understanding. The description correctly explains that this is "thought to be a liquid, iron-rich outer core with a radius of about 330 kilometers", with temperatures around 1300-1600K. The discussion of how the outer core is molten despite lower pressure demonstrates understanding of pressure-temperature relationships.

Mantle

The mantle representation (radius fraction 0.85) is described and scientifically accurate. The explanation correctly covers the composition of "silicate rocks, similar to Earth's mantle, but with different proportions of elements. It's thought to be rich in olivine and pyroxene". The discussion of deep moonquakes originating at 700-1,200 km depths due to tidal stresses from Earth is scientifically current and demonstrates understanding of the Earth-Moon system dynamics.

Crust

The description accurately covers the significant crustal dichotomy: "On the near side (facing Earth), it's estimated to be around 30-50 kilometers thick. On the far side, it can be much thicker, possibly reaching up to 100 kilometers or more". The explanation of this asymmetry and its connection to the Moon's formation is scientifically current.

Exosphere

The exosphere visualization (radius fraction 1.06) accurately represents the Moon's extremely tenuous atmosphere. Your description correctly explains that "The Moon essentially has no atmosphere in the traditional sense. Instead, it has an exosphere. It's an incredibly tenuous layer of gases, far less dense than a vacuum on Earth". The composition (noble gases like argon and helium, trace amounts of sodium, potassium, hydrogen) and formation mechanisms are scientifically accurate.

Hill Sphere

The description correctly explains that "The estimated radius of the Moon's Hill sphere is approximately 60,000 kilometers, approximately 34.53 lunar radii" and provides good educational context about gravitational dominance.

Apollo Mission Legacy

The descriptions appropriately reflect Apollo mission contributions:

• Seismic data for internal structure determination

• Sample analysis for composition understanding

• Evidence for ancient magnetic field

Recent Research Integration

The visualization incorporates current scientific understanding:

• Updated core models based on recent seismic reanalysis

• Modern understanding of crustal thickness asymmetry

• Current theories about formation and thermal evolution

• Core Size: The relatively large core (20% of Moon's radius) is accurately represented and explained.

• Crustal Asymmetry: Explanation of the far-side/near-side crustal thickness difference.

• Seismic Properties: Accurate representation of deep moonquakes and their tidal origin.

• Magnetic History: Proper explanation of ancient vs. current magnetic field states.

Comparative Context

Comparisons with Earth help users understand:

• Why the Moon lacks a global magnetic field today

• How tidal locking affects surface conditions

• The significance of the large core relative to overall size

Details Not in Visualizations

• Mare vs. Highlands: The contrast between dark maria (basaltic plains) and bright anorthositic highlands.

• Major Impact Basins: Key features like the South Pole-Aitken Basin.

• Polar Ice Deposits: Recent confirmation of water ice in permanently shadowed polar regions.

• Day/Night Variations: The exosphere varies dramatically between lunar day and night due to sublimation effects.

• Meteoroid Impact Effects: The exosphere is constantly replenished by micrometeoroid impacts.

• Temperature Mapping: The Moon has extreme temperature variations (-230°C to +120°C).

• Subsurface Thermal Gradient: The internal temperature profile from surface to core.

• Formation Timeline: The Moon's formation via giant impact hypothesis.

• Magnetic Field Evolution: The loss of the Moon's ancient magnetic field.

• Volcanic History: The timeline of mare formation (3.9-3.2 billion years ago).

• Tidal Locking Visualization: Tidal locking affects the Earth-facing vs. far-side hemispheres.

• Libration Effects: The Moon's slight "wobble" due to libration.

• Mascon Effects: Gravitational anomalies from massive mare basins.
  
  

The implementation conveys that the Moon, while lacking the dynamic processes of larger planets, remains a scientifically rich world that continues to yield surprises about its formation and evolution. The visualization is a demonstration of how planetary science progresses through direct exploration combined with ongoing theoretical modeling.