Facts About the Moon for Kids
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The moon is one of the most fascinating objects in our solar system! It’s a source of wonder and inspiration for people of all ages.
Here are some cool facts about the moon that are sure to intrigue kids:
1. The moon is Earth’s only natural satellite.
That means it’s the only celestial object in space that orbits around our planet. It’s roughly one-quarter the size of Earth.
2. The moon is a little over 238,000 miles away from Earth.
That’s quite a distance! It takes about 27.3 days for the moon to orbit around Earth.
3. The moon has no atmosphere.
Unlike Earth, the moon does not have air, wind, or weather. This means that there is no sound on the moon – no birds singing, no leaves rustling, and no waves crashing.
4. The temperature on the moon varies widely.
When the sun shines on the moon’s surface, the temperature can reach up to 260 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, however, the temperature can plummet down to -280 degrees Fahrenheit!
5. The moon has been explored by humans!
The first human landing on the moon was on July 20, 1969, when Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin landed the Apollo 11 spacecraft on the moon’s surface. Since then, there have been five more manned moon missions.
6. The moon’s surface is covered in craters, mountains, and valleys.
These features were created by meteorites crashing into the moon over millions of years. Some of the mountains on the moon are taller than Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth!
7. The moon’s gravitational pull affects Earth.
The moon’s gravity causes the tides to rise and fall in the oceans. It also slows down the rotation of the Earth, making our days a little bit longer over time.
8. The moon changes shape in the sky.
When the moon appears to be getting bigger, it’s called a waxing moon. When it appears to be getting smaller, it’s called a waning moon. A full moon occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the sun.