Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the average distance of the Moon from Earth?
What is the average distance of the Moon from Earth?
What is the main reason why the Moon always presents the same side to Earth?
What is the main reason why the Moon always presents the same side to Earth?
How does the Moon's surface gravity compare to Earth's?
How does the Moon's surface gravity compare to Earth's?
What is the approximate mass of the Moon in relation to Earth?
What is the approximate mass of the Moon in relation to Earth?
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When did the Moon form?
When did the Moon form?
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Study Notes
Moon Characteristics
- The average distance of the Moon from Earth is approximately 384,400 kilometers (238,900 miles).
Moon's Rotation
- The main reason the Moon always presents the same side to Earth is because the Moon's rotational period (27.3 days) matches its orbital period (27.3 days), causing tidal locking.
Gravity Comparison
- The Moon's surface gravity is about one-sixth of Earth's, with the Moon's gravity being around 1.62 meters per second squared (m/s²) compared to Earth's 9.8 m/s².
Mass Comparison
- The Moon's mass is approximately one-eightieth (1/81) the mass of Earth.
Moon Formation
- The Moon is believed to have formed around 4.5 billion years ago, shortly after the formation of the Earth.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the Moon, Earth's only natural satellite, and learn more about its unique characteristics, orbit, and influence on tides.