The Moon

The moon is Earth's only natural satellite, and it is the fifth largest moon in the Solar System. It has a significant impact on Earth, influencing tides and providing a source of inspiration for people throughout history.

Key Facts about the Moon:

• Orbit: The moon orbits around the Earth, completing one orbit approximately every 27.3 days.
• Phases: The moon's appearance changes due to its orbit around Earth, resulting in different phases such as full moon, new moon, crescent, and gibbous.
• Gravity: The moon's gravity is about one-sixth of Earth's gravity, which is why astronauts can jump higher on the moon.
• Surface: The moon's surface is covered in craters, mountains, and plains known as "seas" or maria.

Interesting Moon Facts:

• The moon has no atmosphere, which means there is no weather or wind on the moon.
• The temperature on the moon can vary greatly, from extremely hot during the day to very cold at night.
• During a lunar eclipse, the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon.

Studying the Moon:

To study the moon, you can observe its phases throughout the month, track its position in the sky, and learn about its influence on Earth's tides. You can also learn about the history of lunar exploration and the various missions to the moon, including the Apollo program.

There are also many fun activities and experiments you can do to learn more about the moon, such as creating a model of the moon's phases using Oreo cookies or observing the moon through a telescope or binoculars.

Understanding the moon and its relationship with Earth can provide insights into astronomy, space exploration, and the natural world around us.

[Moon] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• The Sun-Earth-Moon SystemScience • Seventh Grade