Earth’s Moon

Moon Facts

• The moon is about 230,000 miles from the Earth

• Its diameter is 2360 miles which makes it the fifth largest moon in the solar system

• Temperatures range from 134ºC (273ºF) in the daytime and -153ºC (-244ºF) at night

• Difference is due to the fact that the moon has no atmosphere

Moon Facts Cont’d

• The moons gravity is about 1/6 the gravity of Earth

• If you weigh 120 pounds on Earth you would we _________ on the moon

• The moon’s gravity has an affect on the Earth’s surface because it causes high and low tides every day

Surface of the Moon

Lunar Highlands

• Original lunar surface of the moon- formed 4.5 billion years ago

• Very hilly and mountainous

• Made of lighter and lower density igneous rock

Lunar Maria

• “Maria” means Sea• Galileo thought these

dark patches were oceans

• Pools of dried lava• Rock is darker and more

dense igneous rock

Lunar Maria

Lunar Craters

• Moon’s surface is covered with large craters.

• Most were formed about 4 billion years ago

• Largest crater is about 200 miles in diameter

• Moon has no atmosphere to protect it from incoming meteoroids

Why Do We Always See the Same Side of the Moon?

• The moon rotates on its axis every 28 days

• The moon revolves around the Earth every 28 days