It is Luna. Calling our moon "The Moon" is the same thing as calling our sun, Sol, "The Sun". It's not technically incorrect, but it's not actually scientifically specific. The identity of the moon in question depends on the context. As long as we are all on earth, "The Moon" will do, but if you ever go to Jupiter, asking for a cab ride to "The Moon" will probably get you a response, "Which moon buddy?"
It's like saying, "Let's go to The Mall." As long as everybody knows which shoppong mall you are talking about, you don't have to be more specific, but that's not really it's name.
"Lunar surface" simply means the surface of Luna. Calling the surface of other moons the lunar surface is not technically correct, although I have no doubt some will do it when we get to the point where we are dealing with the surfaces of other moons.
[ January 27, 2004, 11:21: Message edited by: geoschmo ]
Re: What is the Name our Moon?
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