The world is poised to return to the Moon, igniting a new era of space exploration filled with promise and discovery. In Heat of the Moon: The Close Approach That Changed Everything, the author takes you on a riveting journey through the unanswered questions that have persisted since the Apollo missions. This second edition goes beyond merely revisiting the past; it seeks to intertwine past discoveries with current ambitions to paint a comprehensive picture of our lunar history.
This book meticulously traces the path of scientific discovery from the Apollo missions to the present day. It highlights how a detour in research steered attention away from crucial inquiries left unresolved since humanity first set foot on the celestial body. The author illustrates how innovations inspired by explorations of Mars and the moons of Jupiter have catalyzed advancements in our understanding of the solar system.
At the heart of this exploration lies the Close Approach Lunar Model (CALM), proposed by Thomas J. Powell. This revolutionary concept introduces a cataclysmic event from about 250 million years ago when the Moon came perilously close to Earth, unsettling the balance of life on our planet. It resulted in violent geological upheavals and volcanic eruptions, fundamentally altering Earth’s atmosphere as well as its continental formations.
Moreover, the consequences of this encounter reverberated throughout time, paving the way for the flourishing of life, including the age of dinosaurs, and instigating vital changes in plate tectonics on Earth. This model not only provides clarity on host of Apollo-era enigmas but also serves as a new lens through which to view the forthcoming discoveries from the Artemis missions.
Join the journey of discovery and contemplation about our shared past and future with 'Heat of the Moon,' and prepare to be inspired by the endless possibilities that await in space exploration.
