What is the Moon?

Characteristics of the Moon

• Size: The moon has a diameter of about 3,474 kilometers, which is roughly one-quarter the size of Earth.
• Surface: The surface of the moon is covered in craters, mountains, and plains called maria. It has no atmosphere, which means there is no weather, wind, or erosion on the moon.
• Phases: The moon goes through different phases as it orbits the Earth, including new moon, crescent, quarter, gibbous, and full moon.
• Gravity: The moon's gravity is about one-sixth of Earth's gravity, which is why astronauts can jump higher and objects weigh less on the moon.

Phases of the Moon

Importance of the Moon

• Tides: The moon's gravitational pull causes the ocean tides on Earth. This is because the moon's gravity attracts the water on Earth, creating bulges that result in high and low tides.
• Navigation: Throughout history, the moon has been used for navigation by sailors and explorers.
• Research: The moon has been the subject of scientific research and exploration, including manned missions by astronauts.

Fun Facts about the Moon

• The moon is not completely round; it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulges at the equator.
• The moon is drifting away from Earth at a rate of about 3.8 centimeters per year.
• The moon is tidally locked to Earth, meaning the same side always faces us.

Conclusion

[Moon] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• The Sun-Earth-Moon SystemScience • Seventh Grade