Assume that the Moon is hit by about 25 million micrometeorites each day (this value comes from observations of meteors
Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2022 10:12 am
Assume that the Moon is hit by about 25 million micrometeoriteseach day (this value comes from observations of meteors in theEarth’s atmosphere) and that these impacts strike randomly aroundthe Moon’s surface. Also assume that it takes about 20 such impactsto destroy a footprint left there by an astronaut. About how longwould it take for one of the footprints left by an Apollo astronautto be erased? (Hint: Use the Moon’s surface area to determine theimpact rate per unit area of the Moon and use your judgment toestimate the size of a footprint.).