All About the Moon

The moon has fascinated people of all eras and prompted the investigation of the heavens unlike any other celestial object. Only in more recent times, however, has the common man had a true understanding of the moon's nature. Discover fascinating facts regarding the moon to find truth about this beacon of the night.

Although only a quarter of the diameter of earth, the moon is the fifth largest satellite in the solar system. The close proximity of the moon to the earth, however, makes it the second brightest object visible from the earth. Each night the moon rises, of course, and this is due to the synchronous rotation found between it and the earth. Aside from the light provided by the moon, it also creates the tides of the ocean.

Objects in the heavens generally influence life on earth in relatively small ways. Unlike these other objects, the moon provides sight in the night and shifts land's boundaries through tides. Understanding of the composition and role of the moon has advanced a great deal in recent times, but a lot of exploration remains.