Moon Observation

Characteristics

The Moon is at an average distance of about 380,000 km and circles the Earth in 27.3 days.

Due to its synchronous rotation with the Earth the Moon always shows us the same face.

On its visible side there are 'lunar seas' which are large dark plains formed by ancient volcanic flows. There are also impact craters observed.

Its gravitational influence is responsible for the tides on Earth.

When the Moon passes in front of the Sun by masking it, it causes a phenomenon called solar eclipse which partially darkens the sky for a few minutes.

It takes on a reddish color during lunar eclipses: when it passes behind and finds itself in the shadow of the Earth and certain conditions are met.