What Is the Moon? The Earth's Natural Satellite.
What Is the Moon? Facts, History and Science.
Have you wondered about the most beautiful thing in the night sky, the Moon that wat is it really? And why does it have those patterns on it?
What Is the Moon?
The Moon is our Earth's only natural satellite and the closest space object to Earth. It has fascinated humans for centuries and influenced calendars, tides and inspiring countless myths, stories and scientific discoveries. It is one of the most beautiful things that humans have seen in their life.
Composition, Diameters, Rotations and Phases:
It is a rocky, terrestrial body which orbits the Earth in 27.3 days roughly. It is the fifth largest natural satellite in our solar system. It is about 384,400 Km away from Earth. Its diameter is approximately 3,474 Km. The Moon also takes 27.3 days to rotate once on its axis, due to which we always see only one side ''The near side'' which is always facing the Earth. It is a phenomenon known as ''tidal locking''. Its surface is rocky and dusty, covered by a layer called regolith, which is made of fragmented rock and dust. It protects Earth from many asteroids that could have destroyed the Earth. It lacks a significant atmosphere due to which there is no weather or air. Temperatures vary drastically. Its temperature changes extremely.
What Are its Phases?
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| Phases of the Moon. |
- New Moon.
- Waxing Crescent.
- First Quarter.
- Waxing Gibbous.
- Full Moon.
- Waning Gibbous.
- Last Quarter.
- Waning Crescent.
The black seas we see on the Moon are called Maria, which are plains created by ancient volcanic eruptions. The Moon also consists of Highlands which are mountainous areas and Craters which were made by the asteroids which hit the Moon.
What Is Its Origin?
The Moon is about 4.5 billion years old, nearly as old as Earth itself. According to ''The Giant Impact Hypothesis'', it was formed when a Mars sized body called Theia collided with earth due to which the debris which was left out formed an object smaller than Earth which was Moon. This theory is the only widely accepted theory.
Moonquakes:
Moonquakes come from seismic activities which are caused by cooling and shrinking of its interior, meteorite impacts and Earth's tidal forces. Moonquakes are weaker than Earthquakes bur can last longer to 20-30 mins.
Human Exploration History:
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| The Landing of Apollo 11 Mission. |
The exploration of humans on Moon is one of the most iconic achievements in human history. The first human-made object to reach Moon was the Soviet Luna 2 (1959). Later in 1969, the Apollo 11 mission landed on the Moon and Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong became the first humans to step on the Moon. Later many other manned Apollo missions were launched and successfully landed on Moon. Later many Lunar Exploration Programs with missions like flybys, rovers, orbiters, landers, sample returns and crewed landings were launched by Pakistan, China, NASA, USA, USAF, Soviet Union, Russia, Japan, Luxembourg, ESA, South Korea, Italy, UAE, Mexico, India.
Importance of Moon:
Studying the Solar System's history:
The Moon is a time capsule which preserves many features which are billions of years old that helps scientists to study more about the Solar System. Because it does not have any atmosphere, weather or tectonic plates, so that's why its surface is not ever disturbed.Understanding The Earth's Origin:
Planet Earth.
The leading theory ''The Giant Impact Hypothesis'' is a widely accepted theory, through which scientists can find how the early Earth was. Studying Moon rocks can help scientists to know about how early Earth's crust and mantle conditions were.Tides and Ocean Currents:
The Moon's gravity pulls Earth's oceans, causing tides which are essential for the marine life, nutrient cycles and climate balance.Planetary Stability:
Our Earth is tilted at 23.5 degrees on its axis. The Moon's gravity helps Earth to be stable at 22 degrees to 25 degrees. If Moon was not ever, so Earth would wobble chaotically which would end up with too harsh climates on Earth.First Step:
The Moon is the first step for humans to explore the Universe deeply. It is now the gateway for humans to step on Mars.Resources:
Moon is enriched with rare-Earth resources which can help humans in many ways such as Water-ice is found on Moon in a wide range which can be turned into drinking water, breathable air and rocket fuel. Helium-3 is rare-Earth element found on Moon widely and is theorized as a clean fusion fuel.
Geopolitical And Economic Significance:
Cultural And Symbolic Significance:
Moon is a significant character in many religions, cultures, stories, myths and calendars.The Moon is not only a beautiful object in the night sky, but it is a very important and beautiful part of our Solar System.
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