Introduction to Astronomy : The Earth and Moon

This session described the origin and evolution of the Earth and Moon.  Also covered was an introduction to lunar observing and a brief summary of the surface features visible with binoculars and telescopes.  The moon has been the focus of human and robotic exploration since the late 1950s.  In recent years evidence has mounted that significant quantities of water ice exist at some locations on the Moon.  There is a growing scientific concensus that the existence of the Moon has played a part in allowing life to flourish on the Earth.

The presentation from the evening can be viewed below:
Libration is the name given to the "wobbles" in the appearance of the moon as it orbits the Earth.  Here is a video showing the effect.  See the presentation for an explanation.
Here's an interesting toy - a lunar phase simulator - from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  You can explore how the relative positions of the Sun and Moon create the phases and at what times the moon is visible in the evening or morning sky.
Here is the dramatic footage of the Ranger 9 impact on the moon!

Useful links

The Moon --- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon
The Full Moon Atlas --- http://www.lunarrepublic.com/atlas/index.shtml
Virtual Moon Atlas --- http://www.ap-i.net/avl/en/start (Free software)
Lunar Exploration --- http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/ (List of missions to the Moon)
Here's a short video showing a simulation of the collision between the Earth and the hypothesized object called Theia.  This collision resulted in the formation of our Moon.