The Earth has one natural satellite, the Moon. The moon
orbits around the earth every 27.3 days. It's
average distance from Earth is approximately 225,000 miles.
The Moon is gravitationally bound to the Earth. The Moon
helps stabilize Earth's wobble throughout is wobble resulting in
a stable climate. The formation of the Moon remains a
mystery, however, the leading theory at this time is that an
object the size of Mars slammed into Earth over 4.5 billion
years ago causing matter from the Earth and the object to fly
into space. This matter went into orbit around the Earth.
This matter eventually coalesced to form the Moon.
For the most part the same side of the Moon always faces the
Earth. While this is generally true, there are times when
surface features of the "dark side" of the Moon peek into view.
The Moon is not really geologically active. It does not
have any current volcanism nor any plate tectonic activity.
There has been seismic activity detected deep below the surface.
It is believed that this activity comes from the gravitation tug
of Earth. Small geysers of gas have also been reported
from some craters. The Moon's surface is composed mostly
of a fine grey dust. The surface has a number of plains,
basins, and craters. The Lunar Prospect spacecraft found
frozen water at both of the Moon's poles.
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Distance From Earth:
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225,745 miles
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Length of a Day:
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27.3 days
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Radius:
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1,080 miles
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Diameter:
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2,160 miles
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Weight:
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81 Quintillion Tons
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Surface Temp (Day):
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273° F
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Surface Temp (Night):
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- 244° F
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Gravity At Surface:
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0.1667 g (1/6 Earth's)
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Orbital Speed
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2,287 mph
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Driving time by car (@70 mph):
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135 days
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Flying time by rocket:
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60 to 70 hrs.
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No. of Men Who Have Walked on Surface:
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12
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Age of Oldest Rock Collected:
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4.5 Billions yrs.
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Rocks Collected By Apollo:
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842 pounds
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Widest Craters:
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140 miles (dia.)
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Deepest Craters:
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15,000+ (ft.)
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Highest Mountains:
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16,000+ (ft.)
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Picture of
The Moon
Image of Mare Imbrium
Moon's North Pole |
