Ever wondered what would it be to be on the Moon? From bouncing around to carrying heavy weights with ease, it would be one helluva fun experience! Let us explore some interesting fun facts about this shining ball of light.
Moon changing shape
The Moon’s changing shape is something that we all enjoy watching. As we all know the Moon only reflects the sun’s light. So, based on where the sun’s life are hitting the moon during its orbit around the Earth, we see that particular part or ‘shape’.
Extreme temperatures
Did you know that temperatures in the Moon can range from that of extreme heat to extreme cold in a matter of few hours? During nights the temperature could touch upwards of 121 degrees Celsius, while it could plummet to -133 degrees Celsius during the night. This happens because the moon doesn’t have an ‘atmosphere’ with wind and greenhouse gases. Remember, we had during an earlier blog discussed about how the greenhouse gases help absorb energy and help sustain life on Earth.
Moving Away from the Earth
Did you know that the moon is moving away from the earth!? Yes, it is moving at a rate of about 1.5 inches per year. Scientists say that this could result in 25 hour days! But this won’t happen anytime soon. It is estimated that it will take another 200 million years for that to happen. But why is the Moon moving away? Just as the Earth has gravity, the Moon too has gravity. To make a complex process simpler, it’s the interplay between these two gravities that behind this change in the orbit of the Moon. Another interesting point here is that the Moon’s gravity is also responsible for the Earth’s distinct tilt. This tilt is what gives us our seasons. Without it scientists say that we will have extreme climatic conditions.
Tidal force
We have all enjoyed the magic feeling of cool ocean water touching our feet, as if the tides were greeting us and then receding back, ever so gently. But have you ever wondered what causes these tides? Yes, it is the Moon, millions of miles away. So, how does this magic happen? The answer lies in the Moon’s gravitational pull which creates this tidal force. This pull creates water bodies to bulge at the places nearest and farthest to the moon, which creates high tides. The Earth’s rotation regulates the high tides and low tides. The next time you go the beach, remember to thank the Moon for the magical experience!
Lower gravity
Superheroes have always fascinated kids. After all who doesn’t want to instantly take off like a Superman! Well, even though we cannot fly, we can always jump 6 times the height that we do on Earth on the Moon. This is because the Moon’s gravitational force is 1/6 th of our planet. Similarly, things which would seem heavy on Earth would seem like a piece of cake on the Moon.
At the school, our teachers use a variety of activities to introduce students to the mysteries of the universe. Through co-curricular activities and classroom sessions students are encouraged to explore the wonders of the cosmos. Call us today and discover what makes us a top CBSE school in Coimbatore.
