http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/apollo_lrv.html

Ewen A. Whitaker has written:

'Mapping and naming the moon' -- subject(s): History, Maps, Nomenclature, Gazetteers

'The University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory'

The observation of planetary activities (like eclipses and lunar rotations) are facilitated by the utilization of a telescope.

the solar system is 4.6 billion years old.

Yes, the first sample of another planetary object returned was by Apollo 11 in July, 1969. The Apollo 11 crew brought back nearly 50 pounds of lunar soil and rocks.