Latin = Luna

Diana Roman goddess of the moon

is Earths only natural satellite

Diameter: 2,160 miles or 3,476 km

Compared to the Earth, it is about the size

1/6 the gravity of Earth

Why? Its smaller and has less mass

240o F when facing the sun!

-240o F on the dark side

Temperature:
Why such extremes?
No atmosphere!

Lunar Topography 1. Craters -

Bowl-shaped depressions caused by meteor impacts

Tycho

4.Rays

Rays appear as bright streaks that radiate around craters

2.Maria (Mare)

seas!

3.Circular, smooth areas that result from lava flows are called Plains

The Near Side of the Moon

The side of the moon that always faces Earth. It is nearly half highlands and half maria.

The Far Side of the Moon

The side of the moon that never faces Earth. It is mostly highlands/craters.

The same side of the moon (the near side) always faces Earth

Because the moons period of rotation is the same as its period of revolution!

ESRTs p15

The phases of the moon are:

Cyclic and predictable

Watch the following to determine from which side, the left or the right, the lit portion of the moon increases. Draw these images in your notes.

Now, watch the following to determine from which side, the left or the right, the lit portion of the moon decreases. Draw these images in your notes.

1.

New Moon

2.

Waxing Crescent

3.

First Quarter

4.

Waxing Gibbous

5.

Full Moon

6.

Waning Gibbous

7.

Last Quarter

8.

Waning crescent