Earth and the Moon are in extremely close proximity to each other in the solar system. However, in appearance , the Moon exhibits extensive cratering, while Earth does not. Which best ex-plains this discrepancy in the appearance of these two bodies? Most meteorites striking Earth hit the oceans, so there is no visible record remaining. The gravitational attraction of the Moon toward bodies moving through the solar system has led to more impacts there Earth's magnetic field acts as a shield against meteors entering the atmosphere and impact- ing Earth. The atmosphere of Earth protects the planet from meteorite impacts. Earth has an atmosphere water, and tectonic activity so most of the craters on Earth have been removed by erosion or eliminated via subduction.