Differences Between the Earth and Moon

Earth vs Moon

The moon has always been a source of wonder man started walking the Earth. Visible mostly during night time, the moon’s light is more subdued than the sun, and it changes shape depending on the time of the month. The moon has also blocked the sun in the past, a very rare phenomenon known as a solar eclipse. There are many legends and superstitions connected with the moon. For example, it is said that during the full moon, werewolves roam freely and witches are able to perform magic. In reality, however, all the moon really does is affect the tides because of its gravitational pull on the Earth.

While most people already know the differences between the Earth and the moon, there are some who are still confused when it comes to differentiating one from the other. The first major difference between the two heavenly bodies is that the Earth is a planet, while the moon is merely a satellite orbiting Earth. Planets usually have satellites orbiting them. It just so happens that our planet has only one satellite, that’s why we simply call it the moon. Other planets, such as Saturn and Jupiter, have a lot of moons. Each of their moons has a specific Greek name for easy identification by astronomers. Astronomers are usually able to tell apart a planet from a moon based on the size of the heavenly body. No moon can equal or surpass the size of a planet. All satellites are smaller in diameter when compared to planets, and they also have different atmosphere and surface conditions.

The second major difference is due to the moon’s smaller size. When put side by side with the our planet, the moon only has one-fourth of the Earth’s total diameter, and much less mass. The moon has a weak atmosphere, unlike the Earth which has a multi-layer atmosphere. Because of its almost nonexistent atmosphere, the moon is incapable of supporting life. Astronauts who walked on the moon had to wear vacuum-sealed suits with oxygen supply, otherwise they would simply die if they wore normal Earth clothing.

The third major difference is that the moon’s gravitational pull is only one-sixth to that of the Earth’s. This means that a person can jump six times higher on the moon than on the Earth. However, the moon is still able to exert some gravitational pull on the Earth, which is demonstrated by the occurrence of tides.

The fourth major difference is that there is neither oxygen nor water on the surface of the moon. Earth has a lot of water on its surface, comprising more or less seventy percent of its crust. Earth also has a lot of oxygen, thanks to its multi-layer atmosphere. On the other hand, the moon’s weak atmosphere disables the formation of oxygen and water on its surface, making the moon a barren, lifeless world.

Summary:

1. The first major difference between the two heavenly bodies is that the Earth is a planet, while the moon is merely a satellite orbiting Earth.

2. All satellites are smaller in diameter when compared to planets, and they also have different atmosphere and surface conditions.

3. When put side by side with the our planet, the moon only has one-fourth of the Earth’s total diameter, and much less mass.

4. The moon is incapable of supporting life.

5. The moon’s gravitational pull is only one-sixth to that of the Earth’s. This means that a person can jump six times higher on the moon than on the Earth.

6. There is neither oxygen nor water on the surface of the moon.

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