In this installment of The Universe, we scrutinize the craterous surface of our moon. For thousands of years, mankind has found comfort in its presence. It has been a lantern for nocturnal travelers, a timekeeper for farmer and a location finder for sailors at sea. For some cultures, it has even been a god. It is also the only cosmic body ever visited by human beings. Today, NASA is planning a permanent outpost there. We investigate the scientific origins of the moon, asking how it came to be. The answer is more astounding and spectacular than most residents of Earth have ever imagined.

Originally released by A&E Networks, 2007. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on May 16, 2015.

Moon Stats (4:05); --Hostile Environment (2:52); -- Meteorites and Regolith (2:39); -- Lunar Maria and Mountains (4:51); -- Lunar Calendar (1:21); -- Gravitational Effect (2:58); -- Origin of the Moon (3:33); -- Moon's Composition (1:43); -- Fission Theory (3:08); -- Capture Theory (3:24); -- Moon Rocks (4:18); -- Collision Theory (2:50); -- Giant Impact Theory (4:55); -- Moon Outpost (1:23);.