Top 10 Moon FAQs Answered by NASA

By Rajni Pandey | July 15, 2024

Yes, the Moon rotates on its axis at the same rate it orbits Earth, so the same side always faces us.

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Does the Moon rotate?

Yes, but the view differs. In the Northern Hemisphere, phases appear opposite to those seen in the Southern Hemisphere.

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Are Moon phases the same everywhere on Earth?

Without the Moon, Earth's climate would be less stable, and ocean tides would be significantly affected.

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What would happen if there was no Moon?

We see phases because the Moon is half-lit by the Sun, and our perspective changes as it orbits Earth.

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Why do we see Moon phases?

Yes, the Moon is visible during the day, but it can be harder to spot because of the Sun's brightness.

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Can I see the Moon during the day?

No, both sides get sunlight. The far side just faces away from Earth.

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Is there a "dark side of the Moon"?

The Moon is an imperfect sphere with a rugged surface of mountains and craters.

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What is the Moon's shape?

The Moon rises and sets because Earth rotates, giving different parts of the world a view of the Moon.

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Why does the Moon rise and set?

The Moon likely formed from debris after a Mars-sized object collided with Earth billions of years ago.

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How did the Moon form?

Yes, but it is weaker than Earth's. On the Moon, you can jump higher but will still come back down.

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Does the Moon have gravity?