The Objects > General Questions

Rolling Rocks!

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jpreimnitz:
Does anyone know why or what makes rocks appear to have rolled on the moons surface?

Geoff:

--- Quote from: jpreimnitz on May 15, 2012, 03:06:44 pm ---Does anyone know why or what makes rocks appear to have rolled on the moons surface?

--- End quote ---

Hi jpreimnitz and welcome to Moon Zoo.

We often see boulders that have rolled across the surface of the Moon. I can think of two causes -
(1) when an asteroid or other body impacts the Moon it throws out boulders which will roll along the surface when they land, and
(2) if a boulder is sitting on top of a crater wall or other high place and there is a moonquake, then the boulder may roll downhill.

You can post any images of boulder tracks you find in the Boulder Tracks thread.

Enjoy your time on the Moon!

kodemunkey:
(3) The sun heats the rock, and when the 2 week lunar "night" comes around the rock cools down again.

jpreimnitz:
Thank you all for the great information!

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