Moon Landing: Apollo 11 Landing Site (1969)
by Anonymous
NASA evaluated multiple potential landing sites for the first Moon landing. They needed a flat, smooth area with good lighting conditions. The Sea of Tranquility was chosen for its relatively safe terrain.
Sea of Tranquility
1969
year
Flat basalt plain, relatively smooth
terrain
Moderate — young volcanic surface
scientific value
Chosen — Apollo 11 landed safely July 20, 1969
outcome
Sinus Medii (Central Bay)
1969
year
Rougher, more craters
terrain
Good — center of near side
scientific value
Not chosen — too rough for first attempt
outcome
Ocean of Storms
1969
year
Vast, varied terrain
terrain
High — diverse geology
scientific value
Used for Apollo 12 instead
outcome
Like this comparison? Make it your own.
Sign up to use as templateMore in History
Sparta vs Athens: How to Defend Against Persia (480 BCE)
Naval Battle (Athenian Strategy) vs Land Defense (Spartan Strategy)
Panama Canal: Sea-Level vs Lock Design (1906)
Lock-Based Canal vs Sea-Level Canal
Printing the Bible in Vernacular Languages (1520s)
Vernacular Translation vs Latin Only (Church Position)
Korean War: Cross the 38th Parallel (1950)
Cross and Unify Korea vs Stop at 38th Parallel
Vietnam: Gulf of Tonkin Escalation (1964)
Full Military Escalation vs Limited Advisory Role vs Withdrawal
South Africa: Negotiation vs Armed Struggle (1990)
Negotiated Transition vs Continued Armed Struggle vs Maintain Apartheid