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š The Moon
About The Moon
The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite and the fifth-largest moon in our Solar System. It is the brightest and largest object in our night sky.
š Key Facts
- Type: Natural satellite
- Distance from Earth: 384,400 km
- Diameter: 3,474 km (27% of Earth)
- Orbital Period: 27.3 days
- Age: 4.5 billion years
- Surface Gravity: 1.62 m/sĀ² (16.6% of Earth)
- Temperature: -173Ā°C to 127Ā°C
š” Interesting Facts
- 12 humans have walked on the Moon (1969-1972)
- Moon's gravity creates ocean tides on Earth
- Always shows same face to Earth (tidally locked)
- Moving away from Earth at 3.8 cm per year
- Footprints will last millions of years (no atmosphere)
- Formed from a giant impact with Earth 4.5 billion years ago
- Has water ice in permanently shadowed craters