5 Questions
What is the average distance of the Moon from Earth?
384,400 km
What is the main reason why the Moon always presents the same side to Earth?
Gravitational pull has locked its rotation to the planet
How does the Moon's surface gravity compare to Earth's?
About one sixth of Earth's
What is the approximate mass of the Moon in relation to Earth?
1.2%
When did the Moon form?
4.51 billion years ago
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.
Test your knowledge about the Moon, Earth's only natural satellite, and learn more about its unique characteristics, orbit, and influence on tides.
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