The Moon · Comets and asteroids
Regolith
Say it: REG-uh-lith IPA: /ˈrɛɡəlɪθ/ noun
Regolith: Loose material covering solid bedrock, including dust and broken rock.
On the Moon, repeated impacts break up and mix the surface. The resulting blanket can include fine particles, rock fragments, and impact-produced glass.
- Example
- The lander's footpad settled into the lunar regolith.
- Why astronomers use it
- It records surface processing and affects landing, excavation, and equipment design.
- Tiny cosmic connection
- Lunar regolith is often called soil, but it is not garden soil containing living organisms and organic humus.
Observatory The Moon Comets and asteroids
Where to check it
Written for Cool Moon Facts in its own words; the sources cover the same idea in more depth.