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Luna


Earth's natural satellite, the Moon (or Luna), is very large compared to the Earth. Some consider the Earth and Luna to be a double planet system. Luna is tidally locked to the Earth, thus it always keeps the same face towards the Earth. The near side is less cratered than the far side as it is partially shielded by the Earth. In return, the presence of Luna has gradually slowed down the spin of the Earth from its original 8 hour day to its current 24 hour day (a process that is continuing).


Orbital Distance:   356,410 km - 406,697 km (average 384,400 km)
Eccentricity:       0.055
Local Year:         27.321 days
Orbital Velocity:   1.02 km/s (average)
Inclination:        5.150°
Local Day:          Tidally locked (same as local year)
Axial Tilt:         1.533°

Diameter:           3,476 km
Composition:        Rock, silicates
Density:            3.34 g/cm3
Mass:               7.35 x 1019 tonnes (0.012 earths)
Gravity:            0.166 G
Escape Velocity:    2.38 km/s
Area:               38 million km2
Surface Material:   Basaltic rock and dust
Atmosphere:         None
Pressure:           None
Albedo:             0.12
Temperature:        ???°C

FAQ - Astronomical Glossary


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