Fun facts about our beloved moon!

I think I’m right about the fact that we only have one moon. Same goes for the sun, earth and all the other planets. So, I figured: why not go in depths about our beloved moon? Let’s take a look at some interesting fun facts, shall we?

1. It’s our only permanent natural satellite

But out, I mean Earth’s. It’s the fifth-largest natural satellite in the Solar System. It’s also the largest among planetary satellites relative to the size of the planet that it orbits.

2. The surface is dark

It appears very bright, compared to the night sky. Though, it has a reflectance just slightly higher than that of worn asphalt. Its gravitational influence produces the ocean tides, body tides and the lengthening of the day.

3. It’s the second-densest satellite

Among those whose densities are known, to be honest with you. The one we do know about, the first densest, is Jupiter’s satellite Io.

4. It drifts away from us

The moon is drifting away from Earth, approximately 3,8 cm every year.

5. It always shows the same ‘face’

The moon is in synchronous rotation with Earth. Its near side is marked by large dark plains that fills the spaces between the bright ancient crustal highlands and the prominent impact craters. Oh, those dark plains are by the way known as volcanic ‘maria.’

6. It was made when a rock smashed into Earth

It’s the most widely-accepted explanation of how the moon was created. It’s said that a rock the size of Mars slammed into Earth. When? Shortly after the Solar system began forming about 4.5 billion years ago.

7. It makes the Earth move, as well as the tides

It’s partly responsible for causing the tides of our oceans and seas, with the help of the sun, as it also has an effect on this. However, as the moon orbits the Earth, it also causes a tide of rock to rise and fall in the same way as it does with water. It’s not as drastic as with the oceans, but it’s a measurable effect. It makes the solid surface of the Earth move by several centimetres with each tide.

8. There’s water

It’s in the form of ice trapped within dust and minerals on and under the surface. It has been detected on areas of the lunar surface, those in permanent shadow and are therefore very cold, enabling the ice to survive. The water was likely delivered to the surface by comets.

9. Sun and moon are different in size

As we stand on Earth, it looks as if they’re both the same size. But, the moon is 400 times smaller than the sun and is also 400 times closer to Earth.

10. It has quakes as well

They’re not called earthquakes, but moonquakes. They’re caused by the gravitational influence of our planet. Unlike quakes here, they last only a few minutes at most, those at the moon can last up to half an hour. They’re much weaker than ours though.

Love, Deem ❤

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Image source: Pexels