1. Does the moon have an atmosphere?
   Yes, the moon has a very thin atmosphere.
   The moon's atmosphere consists mainly of neon, helium, and hydrogen.
   Lunar Atmospheric Composition Experiment
   
   
2. Why does the moon have craters on its surface? Explain.
   The craters on the moon's surface are impact craters that formed when asteroids and meteorites hit the surface of the moon and exploded.
   
   
3. Why does the moon orbit the Earth? Explain.
   The moon is held by the gravitational pull of the earth.
   
   
4. Why do you see the moon at night? Explain.
   The bright side of the moon always faces the sun.
   
   
5. How does the moon affect the oceans' tides on Earth? Explain.
   The moon's gravitational pull on the earth is the force that affects the tides.
   This force causes the earth to bulge on both sides; high tides occur where the bulge is greatest.
   
   
   
   
6. What role does the moon play in a lunar eclipse?
   An eclipse occurs when the moon moves into the earth's shadow, or is in direct alignment with the earth and sun. During a Lunar eclipse, the sun and moon are positioned on opposite sides of the earth.
   
   
   
   
7. Why do you think the moon has less gravity than the Earth? Give your opinion.
   The moon is one quarter the size of the earth. It is also less dense.
   As a result, the moon has one-sixth the gravity of the earth.
   
   
8. Who was the first person to land on the moon in July 1969?
   Neil Armstrong
   
   

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Content related: Bryan Palaszewski (Bryan.A.Palaszewski@nasa.gov)