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
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