The Moon
The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite, and the fifth largest moon in the solar system. It is approximately 238,855 miles away from Earth and is about one-quarter the size of Earth.
The Moon has no atmosphere, no water, and no life, but it is a fascinating celestial body that has captured human imagination for centuries. It is covered with craters, mountains, and valleys, and has a rocky surface with a thin layer of dust. The Moon’s surface temperature can range from a scorching 253°F during the day to a frigid -387°F at night. The Moon’s gravitational pull influences Earth’s tides and affects our planet’s rotation. The Moon has been the site of several human missions, including the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s, which brought the first humans, such as Neil Armstrong, to its surface. Today, the Moon continues to be a subject of scientific research and exploration, with several countries planning future missions to the Moon and even establishing permanent human settlements.
Recommended Resources
- NASA Kids’ Club (Website Link)
- National Geographic – Facts about the moon (Website Link)
- BBC Bitesize – The Moon (Website Link)
- What does the Moon landing site look like today? (YouTube Link)