OtterKnow Kids EncyclopediaThe Moon is a big ball of rock that goes around Earth! It is our closest neighbor in space and the brightest thing in the night sky. The Moon does not make its own light. It reflects light from the Sun, and that is what we see as moonlight.
The Moon is much smaller than Earth, about one-quarter the size. It has no air to breathe, no weather, and no liquid water on its surface. The Moon is covered in craters, mountains, and flat plains. Scientists think the Moon was formed billions of years ago when a huge space rock crashed into Earth and the pieces came together to make the Moon!
- The Moon is the only place in space where people have walked.
- Twelve astronauts have visited the Moon so far.
- The Moon’s gravity is about six times weaker than Earth’s, so you could jump six times higher on the Moon!
- The same side of the Moon always faces Earth.
