answersLogoWhite

0

Comets and meteorites hitting it. It doesn't have an atmosphere, so things just hit it, and make craters. This doesn't happen to the Earth because we have an atmosphere, and it burns up comets and things so when it hits the Earth, it is too small to make a big effect or lots of damage.

Meteors colliding with the surface of the Moon cause the craters. Earth is also hit with small meteors daily but our Atmosphere burns most of them to dust before they hit. Without wind, water, or any other way to change the appearance of the Moon, these craters stay on the surface of the moon forever.

Early on in the history of the Earth and Moon, there was an unusual period of meteor bombardment and this created huge craters on both bodies. One is named the Early Bombardment and another the Late Heavy Bombardment, and information on both is in Wikipedia.

Strictly, a meteor is a small body that burns up in the atmosphere, and a meteorite is one that lands.

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Earth Science

Why are more craters present on the moons surface than on earths?

The moon has more visible craters on its surface compared to Earth because it lacks an atmosphere to protect it from impacting objects. Earth's atmosphere burns up most small asteroids and meteoroids before they can reach the surface, resulting in fewer visible impact craters. Additionally, the moon's lack of geological activity means that its craters remain preserved over time.


What is the surface of Mercury covered with?

Craters, mostly. The new Messenger photos of Mercury from just last week show craters on craters, and chains of craters. It looks a lot like the Moon, actually. You can see some photos of Mercury at the link below.


Why are there craters on the moon?

Craters on the moon are formed when objects from space, like asteroids or meteoroids, collide with its surface. The moon lacks an atmosphere to protect it, so these objects hit the surface directly, creating impact craters. Over time, these craters have accumulated, giving the moon its pockmarked appearance.


Why do craters last for millions of years on the surface of the moon?

Craters last for millions of years on the surface of the moon because the moon does not have an atmosphere. Saying this the moon does not have anything able to fill in the craters such as soil or rain.


What causes the dark spots on the surface of the moon?

The dark spots on the surface of the moon, known as lunar maria, are caused by ancient volcanic eruptions that filled large basins with basaltic lava. These lava flows solidified to create the smooth, dark areas that we see on the moon's surface.