What characteristic often allows newly formed impact craters to be spotted by orbital observation?
Answer
They have bright ejecta blankets that contrast with the surrounding regolith
Fresh impact sites are usually identified because the material thrown out (ejecta) is brighter than the older, darkened terrain, standing out until it undergoes space weathering.
#Videos
Something Weird Is Happening in the Moon's Biggest Crater -
The Active Volcano in Idaho; Craters of the Moon - YouTube
Related Questions
What was the consensus estimate for when lunar volcanism was thought to have ceased?What is the revised minimum age estimate for some of the basaltic lava flows found within the Imbrium Basin?What geological feature consists of the vast, dark plains formed by ancient basaltic lava flows?What specific type of volcanic crater is formed when rising magma interacts explosively with surface water or ground ice?Which NASA instrument has been essential in mapping the Moon's surface mineralogy to help track eruption history?What crucial geological mechanism does the Moon lack, unlike Earth, which prevents sustained volcanism over eons?What characteristic often allows newly formed impact craters to be spotted by orbital observation?What feature identified by scientists confirms that the Moon is still continuously acquiring new impact craters?If 'active crater' is defined as any crater being formed by external forces right now, what is the status of the Moon?What is the implication of late-stage volcanism occurring as recently as 100 million years ago concerning future lunar exploration?