What’s Happening On the Moon?

NASA is providing a chance for students to help guide imaging efforts during the GRAIL mission, which will study the formation of the moon by sensing gravity differences of land masses on the moon. But how does gravity help us understand how planets are formed?  The greater the mass the greater the acceleration of gravity. Four high resolution cameras will be taking photographs particularly for students to have access to photos of the surface of the moon.  Speaking of the moon… great new images taken by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter showing great detail of activities on the surface. What about the American flags or footprints left by the astronauts that first landed on the moon? There has been no sign of the flags yet, but the footprints would definitely last as long as humans are around.  Also, find out what’s going on with comet Elonin. All this and more on this week’s Sky Talk.[audio: st20110912.mp3]