Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
FROM THE ARCHIVES: Britannica's 1971 film "Controversy Over the Moon" pits two experts against each other. One believes the Moon's craters were caused by volcanic activity in space. The other thinks the craters were formed by flying objects—like meteors, meteorites, and other materials—crashing into the surface of the Moon. Neither thinks the answer is aliens...but we know some people out there do.
Basically, this vintage film is just two guys arguing about space. (Amazing.) But who's right? Today, we know that most lunar craters are formed when asteroids, meteoroids, or comets collide with the Moon. (Just ask NASA: science.nasa.gov/moon/lunar-craters/.) But there were once volcanoes on the Moon, too. They've left behind evidence with caves, plain, and domes made of cooled lava. (Again, ask NASA: science.nasa.gov/moon/lunar-volcanism/.)
What did we get right about lunar exploration back in 1971? And more importantly, what did we get wrong? And do aliens fit in anywhere? Let us know in the comments.
Learn more from Britannica:
Tour the Moon's Landmarks: britannica.com/place/Copernicus-lunar-crater
How Many People Have Been to the Moon? britannica.com/story/how-many-people-have-been-to-the-moon
What is a Lunar Crater? britannica.com/science/lunar-crater
00:00 Opening Credits
00:08 Two Arguments
01:17 Intro
01:42 Copernicus
03:58 Impact Craters
05:20 Volcanic Craters
06:50 Impact Process
08:08 Sizes
10:00 Mathematic Models
12:19 Evidence
14:54 End Credits
~~~
#EncyclopaediaBritannica
Inspiring curiosity and the joy of learning since 1768.
Web: britannica.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Britannica
Twitter: twitter.com/Britannica
Instagram: instagram.com/Britannica
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/britannica.com
FROM THE ARCHIVES: Britannica's 1971 film "Controversy Over the Moon" pits two experts against each other. One believes the Moon's craters were caused by volcanic activity in space. The other thinks the craters were formed by flying objects—like meteors, meteorites, and other materials—crashing into the surface of the Moon. Neither thinks the answer is aliens...but we know some people out there do.
Basically, this vintage film is just two guys arguing about space. (Amazing.) But who's right? Today, we know that most lunar craters are formed when asteroids, meteoroids, or comets collide with the Moon. (Just ask NASA: science.nasa.gov/moon/lunar-craters/.) But there were once volcanoes on the Moon, too. They've left behind evidence with caves, plain, and domes made of cooled lava. (Again, ask NASA: science.nasa.gov/moon/lunar-volcanism/.)
What did we get right about lunar exploration back in 1971? And more importantly, what did we get wrong? And do aliens fit in anywhere? Let us know in the comments.
Learn more from Britannica:
Tour the Moon's Landmarks: britannica.com/place/Copernicus-lunar-crater
How Many People Have Been to the Moon? britannica.com/story/how-many-people-have-been-to-the-moon
What is a Lunar Crater? britannica.com/science/lunar-crater
00:00 Opening Credits
00:08 Two Arguments
01:17 Intro
01:42 Copernicus
03:58 Impact Craters
05:20 Volcanic Craters
06:50 Impact Process
08:08 Sizes
10:00 Mathematic Models
12:19 Evidence
14:54 End Credits
~~~
#EncyclopaediaBritannica
Inspiring curiosity and the joy of learning since 1768.
Web: britannica.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Britannica
Twitter: twitter.com/Britannica
Instagram: instagram.com/Britannica
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/britannica.com
