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Comets and meteorites hitting it. It doesn't have an atmosphere, so things just hit it, and make craters. This doesn't happen to the Earth because we have an atmosphere, and it burns up comets and things so when it hits the Earth, it is too small to make a big effect or lots of damage.

Meteors colliding with the surface of the Moon cause the craters. Earth is also hit with small meteors daily but our Atmosphere burns most of them to dust before they hit. Without wind, water, or any other way to change the appearance of the Moon, these craters stay on the surface of the moon forever.

Early on in the history of the Earth and Moon, there was an unusual period of meteor bombardment and this created huge craters on both bodies. One is named the Early Bombardment and another the Late Heavy Bombardment, and information on both is in Wikipedia.

Strictly, a meteor is a small body that burns up in the atmosphere, and a meteorite is one that lands.

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10y ago
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5mo ago

The Moon's craters formed over billions of years as a result of impacts from asteroids and meteoroids. The majority of the craters were formed during the Moon's early history, between 3 to 4 billion years ago during a period known as the Late Heavy Bombardment.

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8y ago

Mostly lunar craters are caused by impacts from rocks and other small space debris.

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16y ago

About 4.6 Billion years ago when the moon first formed. the process is still continuing today although much less often.

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Q: When did the Moon's craters form?
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Why are more craters present on the moons surface than on earths?

The moon has more visible craters on its surface compared to Earth because it lacks an atmosphere to protect it from impacting objects. Earth's atmosphere burns up most small asteroids and meteoroids before they can reach the surface, resulting in fewer visible impact craters. Additionally, the moon's lack of geological activity means that its craters remain preserved over time.


What is the surface of Mercury covered with?

Craters, mostly. The new Messenger photos of Mercury from just last week show craters on craters, and chains of craters. It looks a lot like the Moon, actually. You can see some photos of Mercury at the link below.


Why do craters last for millions of years on the surface of the moon?

Craters last for millions of years on the moon because there is no atmosphere or weather to erode or fill them in. This lack of erosion means that craters can remain relatively unchanged for long periods of time. Additionally, the geologic activity on the moon is minimal, allowing craters to persist for millions of years.


What causes the dark spots on the surface of the moon?

The dark spots on the surface of the moon, known as lunar maria, are caused by ancient volcanic eruptions that filled large basins with basaltic lava. These lava flows solidified to create the smooth, dark areas that we see on the moon's surface.


What affect does erosion have on craters?

Erosion can gradually diminish the size and appearance of craters by wearing down their rims and filling them with sediment or other materials. Over time, erosion can alter the shape and depth of craters, making them less distinguishable on the surface of the planet.

Related questions

Does Neptune's moons have craters?

what of neptune's moons have craters


Does the planet mercury have craters or moons?

no moons but have big craters


Does Mercury have moons craters and mountains?

Mercury has craters and mountains but no moons.


What happens after a craters hits the moon?

Craters don't hit moons. Craters are the results of meteorites hitting moons.


What are the moons craters called?

The craters on moons are simply called craters. They are formed by impact events from asteroids, comets, or meteoroids striking the surface of the moon.


What made the moons craters?

the moons craters were made by comets an meteors crashing into it :p :0 ;D


Are mars craters bigger then Earth craters?

yes its like the moons


Does Saturn's moons have craters?

ya why?


What are highlights of the moons called?

craters


How are craters formed on moons or planets?

Craters are formed by impacts from objects from space, such as meteorites.


What features are found on the moons surface?

craters


What is the coolest thing about Mercury?

the craters and that it has no moons