We know about this late heavy bombardment (LHB) from dating lunar surfaces. How do we date lunar surfaces?

http://www.lpl.arizona.edu/SIC/impact_cratering/lunar_cataclysm/Lunar_Cataclysm_Page

One big controversy about the idea of the LHB -- and there are many controversies -- is that it is essentially impossible for us ever to figure out if the Earth also had a LHB. We are only able to extrapolate from the Moon. Do you know why we can't figure it out directly for the Earth?

Back Next

Back to Lecture 15 outline

Back to lectures page

Back to main course page