What did early astronomers mistakenly believe the lunar maria were?
Answer
Seas of water
The term 'maria,' which is Latin for 'seas,' reflects a historical misunderstanding held by early astronomers. When observing the Moon, the vast, dark patches visible even to the naked eye appeared large and smooth enough to resemble bodies of water. However, geological investigation has confirmed that these features are immense plains composed of ancient, solidified volcanic rock, specifically basalt, formed by massive outpourings of lava that reshaped the lunar surface long ago, not actual seas of water.
Related Questions
What is the key constituent defining the material of the lunar maria?What minerals high in iron and magnesium cause the maria's darker color?What rock type dominates the lighter-hued lunar highlands?Lunar basalts are notably characterized as being what, unlike many terrestrial basalts?Which mineral is the lunar highlands rock anorthosite rich in?What property allowed basaltic lava to spread across vast distances to form the maria?Which iron-titanium oxide mineral contributes to the dark character of mare basalts?What did early astronomers mistakenly believe the lunar maria were?The maria formed when basaltic lava flowed into and filled what features?What chemical content dictates the contrast between mafic mare basalts and felsic highland material?