Lunar Science and Exploration

What it is about

You learn fundamentals and current topics of lunar exploration: origin, structure and environment of the Moon, its geology and geophysics across different scales, as well as the history and motivation for Moon missions. Practically you will practice handling important Moon datasets (e.g., Diviner, LOLA) and acquire competencies in data analysis, mission planning, and scientific communication (reports, peer review, posters).

What you will be able to do

• Recount the milestones of previous lunar exploration
• Understand the motivation for future lunar exploration
• Explain the properties and environment of the Moon
• Know available lunar datasets, formats and access
• Analyze and interpret lunar datasets
• Use lunar datasets to evaluate target regions for missions
• Apply knowledge to develop a mission proposal
• Analyze scientific mission proposals
• Create a scientific poster
• Present results in a poster presentation

What the module consists of

• PräsenzseminarCore event with lectures, exercises and project work in a small group (max. 40 participants)
• ProjekteGroup work (up to 4 people) to prepare a scientific mission proposal and several written reports
• PosterpräsentationFinal presentation to assess each student's communication competence
• Optional: BonusprüfungVoluntary short tests and a programming task on lunar datasets for grade bonus qualification

Teaching method

• Vorträge (Fach- und Gastvorträge, PowerPoint)Conveying foundational knowledge and current research results
• Übungen mit Datensätzen (z. B. Diviner, LOLA, QuickMap)Practically apply data access, exploration and analysis
• Gruppenprojekt mit SprechstundenApplying what is learned to develop a mission proposal and to train scientific writing and review skills
• Anonyme Quizze (in Vorträgen)Formative feedback and consolidation of material
• Kurzpräsentationen während ProjektphaseGuidance on format and procedures for reports and posters