Facts About The Moon For Kids
The moon is a fascinating object that we see in the sky almost every night. It is interesting to learn about the moon and its incredible features. Here are some fun facts about the moon for kids.
1. Size and Distance
The moon is the fifth-largest moon in our solar system. Its diameter is about 3,476 kilometers. It is also the fifth-largest natural satellite. The moon is about 238,855 miles away from Earth, which takes astronauts about three days to reach.
2. Phases of the Moon
The moon has eight phases: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent. These phases occur due to the moon’s orbit around the Earth.
3. Surface
The moon is a rocky and dusty place. Its surface has many craters, mountains, and valleys. It has no atmosphere, which means there is no air, no wind, and no weather. The temperature on the moon ranges from -173°C to 127°C.
4. Gravity
The moon’s gravity is about 1/6th of Earth’s gravity. This means that a 60-pound person would weigh only 10 pounds on the moon. You could also jump six times higher on the moon than on Earth.
5. Moon Rocks
A total of 842 pounds of rock samples have been collected from the moon by Apollo astronauts between 1969 and 1972. The rocks were studied by scientists to learn more about the moon’s history and environment.
6. Moon’s Role in Tides
The moon’s gravity also affects Earth’s oceans, causing tides to rise and fall. The gravitational pull of the moon causes the ocean to bulge towards the moon, creating high tide.
7. Lunar Eclipse
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon. The moon passes through the Earth’s shadow, causing a reddish color on the moon. This is also called a blood moon.
In conclusion, the moon is an exciting and mysterious object in the sky that has many interesting features. Learning about the moon’s size, distance, surface, gravity, phases, and role in tides and eclipses can be fun for kids. There are still many unknown facts about the moon that scientists continue to study today.