The Moon

Characteristics and Basic Facts

Basic Facts

Earth’s only natural satelliteCreated approx. 4.6 bya (Impact

Theory)Considered to be a double planet

system with Earth Large size (2,200 miles diameter) Close to Earth (220,000 miles on average)

Basic Facts continued….

Point of gravitational attraction between Earth and moon is called the barycenter

Gravitational attraction helps to create tides on Earth

We always see the same side of the moon from Earth due to its slow rotation.

Surface Features

Layered moon with crust, mantle and inner core (all solid)

Virtually inactive No atmosphere, no erosion, no wind,

water, ice, no change!!Low gravity (1/6 of Earth)

Features continued……Extreme temperatures

Sun Side= 212 °F Dark Side= -150 °F

Highly cratered due to meteorite impact Dark, low lying areas or craters called

Maria (seas) Canyons called Rillies Debris streaks from craters called Rays Dust covering surface of moon called

Regolith

Rilles

Maria

Rays

Regolith

BehaviorMoon appears to go through phases

(changes in size and shape)Phases created by the angle of the Sun,

moon and EarthSynodic Month —Time for Moon to go

through phases (29.5 days)Sidereal Month —Actual Revolution

around Earth (27.3 days)

Phases of the Moon

Waxing: Moon appears to be increasing in size

Waning: Moon appears to be decreasing in size

Full Moon: Phase when all of the moon’s surface is visible

New Moon: Phase when none of the moon’s surface is visible

EARTH