Moon Definition

Moon & Its Phases

Fun Facts

Like Earth, the moon has a core, mantle and crust.
Asteroids hitting the moon's surface created craters and rays.
The moon is smaller than the sun but appears the same size because it's closer.

Why Do We Need To Know About Moon

Learning how the moon’s gravity pulls on Earth helps us know why ocean waves go up and down. This is important for people who work with the ocean like marine biologists and ship navigators. The moon’s effect on Earth is important to people studying the environment and looking after coastlines.

Studying the moon has also created jobs in space engineering. The space missions to the moon, learning what’s on its surface, and thinking about life on other moons show how the moon helps us learn more about space and think about exploring more in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the moon to look like it is changing shape?

As the moon orbits the earth, the sun always shines on half of it, but from Earth we may only see part of that illuminated surface. The phase we see depends on where the moon is in its orbit around the Earth.

Where does the light of the moon come from?

The moon is lit by the sun. It is important to remember that the moon does not make its own light, it only reflects light from the sun.

What makes the moon and sun look like they are the same size?

The moon is smaller than the sun but it is also 400 times closer. That makes it seem like it is the same size as the sun.