[PLS] Andrea Rajšić (Brown University)

“Uncovering Lunar History Through Impact Craters”

Impact cratering is one of the most fundamental geological processes in the Solar System. Impact craters are present on all solid planetary bodies, and their morphology varies based on their size and state of the body. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that control crater formation can provide insights into the evolution of planetary bodies. The Moon has preserved large impact basins, some with diameters up to ~2000 km, as well as craters as small as a few meters. This makes the Lunar surface an ideal place to study crater formation and its relation to the evolution of the planetary bodies in the Solar System.

In this talk, Dr. Rajšić will cover the fundamentals of impact crater formation and morphology. She will explain how studying large impact basins helps us better understand the Lunar interior evolution. Additionally, she will discuss how small, recently formed craters contribute to our knowledge of the lunar surface and why this information is necessary for planning future missions.

Planetary Lunch Seminar

Colloquia topics span the range of research interests of the department’s planetary sciences research program, and the talks are intended to appeal to any graduate students, postdocs, research scientists, and faculty with a background in planetary science. Speakers include members of the MIT community and visitors.

Contact: planetary-org@mit.edu