Do We Really Need the Moon?

00:00:06 There are many moons in the solar system, but none like ours.

00:03:14 But they have to paddle like mad just to keep up.

00:05:32 and keeps the Moon in orbit around us.

00:07:50 How would that affect the tides and life here on Earth?

00:10:59 That's nothing on the timescale we're talking about

00:14:03 But in the early Earth this was the very stuff of life.

00:16:57 So what are we trying to mimic?

00:19:30 mainly to look at the Moon, but I couldn't afford a decent one

00:22:29 To line up the stones accurately

00:25:02 But even if the Transylvania Effect is a bit of a myth

00:27:57 'but still beautifully preserved.

00:30:25 As the Earth spins

00:32:41 ..one of America's largest telescopes.

00:35:20 at a speed of 3.78 cm a year.

00:37:36 the Moon is just the right distance from Earth.

00:39:59 Just stay still. Let me see your finger.

00:41:57 The life cycle of so many animals and plants

00:44:18 Las Vegas is dark

00:46:22 Absolutely, so no photosynthesis, and that's what drives life on Earth today, photosynthesis.

00:48:28 But where do we look?

00:51:03 The Moon rocks are stored in a clean room

00:53:05 used by Apollo

00:55:39 When you look at the Moon, basically what you see is dust.

00:58:30 Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd