Another lunar leap? Humans visited the moon more than three decades ago. Now U.S. leaders want us to return

Science World, March 22, 2004 by Jeanna Bryner

* When the moon first formed, its gravity wasn't strong enough to hold on to volatile (gaseous at room temperature) elements such as oxygen and nitrogen. That's one reason the moon is missing an atmosphere (protective layer of gases surrounding a planetary body), according to NASA planetary scientist Wendell Mendell.

Resources

For more information on President Bush's new space plan, check out the White House press release at: www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/ 2004/01/200401141.html

To learn more about the moon's geology, check out the Web site of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research: www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/moon1html

Find out more about the Apollo missions at NASA's Web site: www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/history/apollo