Impact Cratering Experiment for a Course in Lunar and Planetary Geology

Abstract

We developed an inexpensive and safe laboratory experiment that accurately duplicates the shapes and structures of simple impact craters. The craters are produced in a layered target of fireplace ash and finely ground charcoal by a blast from an air gun. The craters display upturned rims with overturned strata, ejecta characterized by rays and secondary craters, and polygonal rim-crest outlines. They have depth/diameter ratios similar to small bowl-shaped craters on the Moon and to experimental and meteorite craters on Earth.