The Moon and its Phases

The Lunar Surface

Earth's Satellite

The Moon is a dry, barren place with no air or water. It is covered in craters and dark plains.
Image 1

Key Points

  1. Gravity is only 16\frac{1}{6}th of Earth's.
  2. No air means sound cannot travel on the Moon.
  3. Distance: About 384,400 km384,400~km from Earth.
  4. Extremely hot in the day and freezing at night.

Phases of the Moon

Changing Faces

The Moon reflects sunlight. As it revolves around Earth, we see different amounts of its lighted side.
Image 1

Key Points

  1. New Moon: Moon between Earth and Sun.
  2. Full Moon: Earth between Moon and Sun.
  3. Waxing: Lighted portion appears to grow.
  4. Waning: Lighted portion appears to shrink.
Swipe to skip‹