The Moon: Earth's Natural Satellite

**The MOON** The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite. It is about 384,400 kilometers away from our planet. The Moon is much smaller than Earth, with a diameter of about 3,474 kilometers. It does not have its own light. Instead, it reflects the light of the Sun. The Moon has phases, which change...

**The MOON** The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite. It is about 384,400 kilometers away from our planet. The Moon is much smaller than Earth, with a diameter of about 3,474 kilometers. It does not have its own light. Instead, it reflects the light of the Sun. The Moon has phases, which change its shape in the night sky. These phases include the new moon, crescent, half moon, and full moon. This happens because the Moon orbits Earth, and we see different parts of it lit by the Sun. The Moon's surface is rocky and covered with craters. These craters were made by meteors hitting the Moon a long time ago. There is no air or water on the Moon, so no plants or animals can live there. Humans first visited the Moon in 1969 during the Apollo 11 mission. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first people to walk on its surface. They left footprints that are still there because there is no wind to erase them. The Moon is important to Earth. It controls the ocean tides by its gravity. Many cultures also see the Moon as special, and it is often a symbol in art and stories. The Moon is fascinating and continues to be studied by scientists. It reminds us of the mysteries of space and inspires people around the world.