Exploring the Moon's Silent Craters
High above the Earth, a small robotic rover rolls slowly across the gray, powdery dust of the Moon. Its rugged metal wheels turn steadily, leaving tracks as it approaches the rim of a deep crater. Many lunar craters are large bowl-shaped pits formed when space rocks crashed into the surface. Some are billions of years old. By studying these ancient holes, scientists can learn what the Moon is made of and uncover clues about the history of our solar system.
Driving across the Moon is very different from driving on Earth. One of the biggest differences is the complete silence. On Earth, sound moves through the air as invisible waves of vibrating particles. When a car drives by or rocks crunch underfoot, those vibrations travel to our ears. The Moon, however, has almost no atmosphere. Because there is virtually no air to carry sound waves, sound cannot travel through the open space above the surface as it does through air on Earth. Even when the rover's heavy wheels grind against sharp stones, no sound can be heard across the empty landscape.
- rover:
- A robotic vehicle designed to travel across the surface of a planet or moon.
- crater:
- A large, bowl-shaped pit in the ground caused by an explosion or collision.
- atmosphere:
- The layer of gases surrounding a planet or moon.
- vibrating:
- Moving rapidly back and forth with small, quick motions.
- mast:
- A tall, upright pole or tower on a machine that holds equipment like cameras.
- minerals:
- Natural solid substances, such as quartz, that make up rocks.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1How did many of the craters on the Moon form?
- 2Why are scientists interested in studying the Moon's ancient craters?
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About this informational passage for 4th Grade
âExploring the Moon's Silent Cratersâ is a informational reading passage about Moon Rovers, written for 4th Grade. It takes about 2 minutes to read (307 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.