Moonstruck!!
Hey there, sky explorers! Have you ever looked up at the Moon and wondered what it’s really like? Our Moon is more than just a pretty light in the night sky. It’s a fascinating world with secrets that will make you want to become a lunar explorer! Get ready for seven super cool facts about our Moon:
1. Our Moon is a Space Traveler!
The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite. That means it travels around our planet, just like how Earth travels around the Sun! It’s like Earth has a buddy that follows it on its space adventures.
2. The Moon is a Bit of a Distance Away!
Even though it looks close, the Moon is about 239,000 miles (385,000 kilometers) away from Earth. You could fit about 30 Earth-sized planets in between Earth and the Moon!.
3. We Always See the Same Side of the Moon!
Did you know that the Moon spins as it orbits Earth? It takes the same amount of time to spin once as it does to go around Earth once. This is why we only ever see one side of the Moon. The other side is called the “far side” of the moon.
4. The Moon Makes Our Oceans Move!
The Moon’s gravity pulls on Earth, and it pulls the most on the water in our oceans. This is what causes high tides and low tides. So, the next time you’re at the beach, remember the Moon is making the waves!.
5. The Moon is Covered in Craters!
The Moon’s surface is full of holes called craters. These were made when rocks from space crashed into the Moon. Because the Moon doesn’t have much of an atmosphere, these craters stay there for a very long time.
6. People Have Walked on the Moon!
The Moon is the only other place in space where humans have walked. The first people to walk on the Moon were Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in 1969. Imagine walking on another world!
7. The Moon is Slowly Moving Away From Us!
Believe it or not, the Moon is getting about 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) farther away from Earth each year. That’s about as fast as your fingernails grow!
Isn’t the Moon amazing? It’s a world full of wonder, and there’s always something new to learn about it. So, keep looking up at the night sky and exploring the mysteries of our Moon! Happy skywatching!
