Moon Notes

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What are the main features of the Moon?

Maria, Craters, Highlands

What are the phases of the Moon?

New, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, Waning Crescent

What causes different phases of the Moon?

Phases of the moon depend on its position in relation to the sun and Earth. As the moon orbits the Earth, we see lit regions of the moon's

surface at different angles.

What causes part of the moon to be lit?

The moon reflects the light from the sun. The part of the moon facing the sun is lit while the part facing away from the sun is in darkness.

Lunar Month

From new moon to new moon and lasts 29.5 days.

Length of moon cycle

The Moon rotates on its axis and revolves around the Earth in 27.3 days.

How does the moon move in space

it rotates counter-clockwise on its axis

it revolves counter-clockwise around the Earth

Moon's Rotation

It rotates counter-clockwise on its axis.

Moon's Revolution Around Earth

It revolves counter-clockwise around the Earth

Why do the Earth and Moon remain in orbit?

The gravity of the Earth keeps the moon in orbit and the inertia of the moon is not enough to overcome the gravity of the Earth.

Why can't we see the far side of the moon?

The Moon rotates once for each revolution around the Earth; rotating and revolving at the same rate.

Is water on the Moon?

Scientists believe that it might be found in ice at the poles.

Galileo Galelei

Italian scientist who made a telescope to view the moon and observed that its surface is not smooth.

Moon's Characteristics

It revolves around the Earth once every 27.3 days

It is dry and airless

It is 1/4 the size of Earth's diameter

Temperature ranges from 130°C in direct sunlight to -180°C at night because there is no atmosphere

No liquid water; there may be ice (solid water) near the poles.

Gravity is 1/6 of Earth's

Approximately 384,000 km or 238,900 miles from the Earth

No liquid water; there may be ice (solid water) near the poles

Moon's size

1/4 size of Earth's diameter

Moon's revolution around Earth

27.3 days

Moon's atmosphere

It is dry and airless

Moon's temperature

130°C in direct sunlight to -180°C at night because there is no atmosphere

Moon's gravity

Is 1/6 the gravity of Earth

Moon's distance from Earth

Approximately 384,000 km or 238,900 miles