How did the Moon come to be? What are moonquakes? Learn ten crazy yet fascinating new details about the nearest star to Earth.
1. It is the Only Natural Satellite Of Earth That Is Always In Orbit Around It.
It orbits the planet with the solar system’s highest mass of any natural satellite.
2. It Is the Second Densest Satellite
The Moon has the second-highest density of all satellites for which the density is known. Io, one of Jupiter’s moons, has the highest density.
3. The Moon Always Presents the Same Side to Earth
The Moon’s rotational period is the same as Earth’s. There are bright ancient crustal mountains and notable impact craters on its near side, but in between these features are vast, black plains (volcanic maria). Discover the ins and outs of Moon phases.
4. The Surface of the Moon Is Quite Black
Even while its reflectivity is just slightly higher than that of aged asphalt, the night sky makes it look much brighter than it is. Without its gravitational pull, there would be no ocean tides, body tides, or even a fractionally longer day.
5. The Sun and Moon Are Not Of Equal Size
The Sun and the Moon appear roughly the same size as Earth. Although the Moon is far closer to Earth than the Sun is to the Sun, it is still 400 times more minor.
6. The Moon Is Receding From Earth in the Sky
About 3.8 centimeters (1.5 inches) of lunar distance is added to Earth’s yearly orbital elongation.
7. The Moon Formed After a Rock Collided With Earth
Most scientists believe that a rock the size of Mars collided with Earth shortly after the Sun and planets formed, around 4.5 billion years ago.
8. When the Moon is Out, the Earth Moves, and the Tides Rise and fall
It is common knowledge that the Moon and the Sun play a role in generating Earth’s tides.
However, just as the tides of water rise and fall as it orbits the Earth, so do the tides of rock. Several centimeters of the Earth’s surface move with each wave, though the effect is not nearly as pronounced as it is with the oceans.
9. Earthquakes Occur Here as Well
Not earthquakes, but rather moonquakes, are the correct term for these events. Earth’s gravitational pull is responsible for its occurrence. Unlike Earthquakes, which typically last no more than a few minutes, moonquakes can linger for up to thirty minutes. Yet, they are significantly weaker than earthquakes.
10. The Moon Has Its Own Water Supply
This material exists as ice encased in dust and minerals on and below the surface. Lunar ice has been found in permanently shaded, icy regions. Comets are thought to be responsible for bringing the Moon’s water to the surface.
