7 Things You Should Know about the Moon

The moon has captivated us for centuries, inspiring science fiction and countless works of art. It’s also an integral part of our lives, both literally and figuratively.

The free quiz questions for kids about universe are designed to help children learn about the moon, its shape and what happens when it orbits Earth. The questions for kids about the moon also cover changes that occur during different phases of the lunar cycle.

Here are seven things you should know about our closest celestial neighbor.

1. The Moon is Earth’s Only Natural Satellite

The moon is Earth’s only natural satellite. This means it orbits our planet and has been in orbit since the formation of our solar system. The moon is estimated to be around 4.5 billion years old and is the fifth-largest satellite in the solar system. It has a diameter of 3,475 kilometers, making it just a bit larger than the planet Mercury.

The moon has been studied for centuries by scientists, but there are still many mysteries surrounding it. One of these mysteries is why its surface is so dark when compared to other bodies in our solar system with similar composition?

2. The Moon Shines Because of Reflected Light

We all know that the moon shines at night, but what many don’t know is that the moon doesn’t emit its own light. It actually reflects the light of the sun, which is why it appears bright during the night.

The reason we see different phases of the moon is because of its rotation around Earth. Because the moon is tidally locked to Earth, meaning it always presents the same face to us, only one side of the moon is ever visible from Earth. This is why we rarely see the “dark side of the moon.

3. The Moon Has its Own Phases

The moon has its own phases, a phenomenon that is caused by the changing angle of the sun’s light on it. As the moon orbits Earth, different amounts of its surface are lit up and the shape of the illuminated area changes, giving us the phases of the moon: full moon, new moon, waxing, and waning.

The full moon happens when the whole surface of the moon is facing Earth. This is when we see our beautiful bright white friend hanging high in the sky on a clear night.

The new moon happens when we can’t see any part of it at all because it’s on the other side of Earth from us. This is why you usually only see one side of it, the one facing away from us.

The waxing phase starts when you can start to see more than half of it until finally reaching full illumination during the waning phase where less than half remains visible to us here on Earth.

4. The Moon Has a Very Thin Atmosphere

The moon has a very thin atmosphere, made up mostly of helium and sodium. This atmosphere is so thin that it’s impossible for humans to breathe on the moon without assistance.

5. The Moon Has Few Natural Resources

The moon has a few natural resources, such as helium-3, an isotope of helium that could potentially be used as a fuel source in nuclear fusion reactors. There is also some evidence that there are deposits of water ice on the moon.

6. The Moon is Home to Numerous Space Missions

Since the 1960s, dozens of space missions have been sent to the moon. These include robotic probes, landers, and manned missions. Some of the most famous include the Apollo mission, which saw the first humans walk on the moon in 1969.

7. The Moon is a Source of Inspiration

The moon has also been an inspirational subject for writers, artists, and poets for centuries. From romantic musings to scientific exploration, the moon has long been a source of fascination for many.

Conclusion

The moon has captivated us for centuries and is an integral part of our lives, both literally and figuratively. Although it is a barren, airless place, it is still home to some natural resources and has been the site of numerous space missions. At the same time, it has inspired countless works of art and literature. We may never fully understand the moon, but knowing these seven facts will help you appreciate it a little more.