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Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered about that big, bright, round thing shining down? That's the Moon, our very own natural satellite! It's been captivating humans for centuries, sparking curiosity and inspiring countless stories. Ready to blast off on a lunar adventure with Nat Geo Kids?
What is the Moon?
The Moon is like a giant ball of rock orbiting our planet. It doesn't make its own light; instead, it reflects light from the Sun, which is why it seems to glow.
Why Does the Moon Seem to Change Shape?
Ever noticed how the Moon sometimes looks like a full circle, sometimes a banana, and sometimes it disappears entirely? That's because as the Moon orbits Earth, the angle at which the Sun shines on it changes. We only see the part of the Moon that's illuminated by the Sun. These different appearances are called the Moon's phases.
Fun Fact!
Did you know it takes about a month for the Moon to complete one full cycle of its phases? That's where the idea for the length of a month came from!
How Far Away is the Moon?
The Moon is about 238,900 miles (384,400 kilometers) away from Earth. That's like traveling around the Earth's equator almost 10 times!
Have Humans Ever Been to the Moon?
Yes! In 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the Moon. They brought back lunar samples and took amazing pictures, teaching us so much about our celestial neighbor.
Why is the Moon Important?
- Tides: The Moon's gravity pulls on Earth's oceans, causing the tides to rise and fall.
- Stability: The Moon helps keep Earth's axis stable, which is important for our seasons.
- Nightlight: The Moon reflects sunlight, providing some light during the night.
Exploring the Moon with Nat Geo Kids
Want to learn more about the Moon? Check out these awesome resources:
- Books: Nat Geo Kids has tons of books about space, including ones specifically about the Moon!
- Websites: Visit the Nat Geo Kids website for amazing photos, videos, and articles about the Moon and space exploration.
Keep looking up at the stars, and never stop being curious about the world—and the universe—around you!
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