Earth vs. The Moon

Attribute	Earth	The Moon
Diameter	12,742 km	3,474 km
Distance from Sun	149.6 million km	384,400 km
Gravity	9.81 m/s^2	1.62 m/s^2
Atmosphere	Yes	No
Number of Moons	1	0

Size and Composition

Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only known planet to support life. It has a diameter of about 12,742 kilometers and is composed of various layers, including the crust, mantle, and core. The Earth's atmosphere is made up of nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases that are essential for supporting life. In contrast, the Moon is Earth's only natural satellite and has a diameter of about 3,474 kilometers. It is much smaller than Earth and has a surface that is covered in craters and dust. The Moon has no atmosphere, which means that it does not have weather or air to breathe.

Gravity and Magnetic Field

Earth has a stronger gravitational pull than the Moon, which is why objects weigh more on Earth than they do on the Moon. The Earth's gravity is what keeps us grounded and prevents us from floating off into space. Additionally, Earth has a magnetic field that protects it from harmful solar radiation and cosmic rays. The Moon, on the other hand, has a much weaker gravitational pull and no magnetic field. This means that astronauts on the Moon experience one-sixth of the gravity that we do on Earth, making it easier for them to jump and move around.

Orbit and Rotation

Earth takes about 365 days to orbit the Sun, which is why we have a year that is divided into seasons. Earth also rotates on its axis, which is what gives us day and night. The Moon, on the other hand, takes about 27.3 days to orbit Earth and is tidally locked, meaning that the same side of the Moon always faces Earth. This is why we only see one side of the Moon from Earth. The Moon also rotates on its axis, but it takes the same amount of time to rotate as it does to orbit Earth, which is why we always see the same side.

Surface Features

Earth's surface is diverse and includes mountains, valleys, oceans, and deserts. It is constantly changing due to processes like erosion, plate tectonics, and weathering. The Moon, on the other hand, has a surface that is covered in craters, mountains, and plains. The Moon's surface is much older than Earth's and has been preserved due to the lack of weathering and erosion. The Moon also has dark areas called maria, which are large plains formed by ancient volcanic activity.

Atmosphere and Temperature

Earth's atmosphere is essential for supporting life and consists of different layers that help regulate temperature and protect us from harmful radiation. The Earth's atmosphere also traps heat from the Sun, which is what keeps our planet warm. The Moon, on the other hand, has no atmosphere, which means that it has extreme temperature variations. During the day, the surface of the Moon can reach temperatures of over 100 degrees Celsius, while at night, temperatures can drop to below -100 degrees Celsius.

Exploration and Impact

Earth has been extensively explored by humans and is home to a diverse range of life forms. We have sent satellites, rovers, and astronauts to study Earth's surface, atmosphere, and oceans. The Moon, on the other hand, has been visited by astronauts during the Apollo missions in the 1960s and 1970s. These missions provided valuable information about the Moon's geology, surface features, and history. The Moon continues to be a target for future exploration, with plans to send humans back to the Moon and establish a permanent presence.