Who is Buried on the Moon: 19 Fascinating Facts About Earth's Natural Satellite
● Earth's satellite is approximately 400 times smaller than the Sun. The sizes of both celestial bodies appear similar to us only because the Moon is the closest astronomical object to Earth.
● Throughout human history, only 12 people have visited this celestial body. All of them were citizens of the United States.
● Colonizing the Moon is not just science fiction; it's a matter of time. Currently, the governments of the United States and China are planning to mine helium-3 on this astronomical object.
● Earth's satellite formed over 4.5 billion years ago and initially had a much larger size compared to its current state.
● Modern spacecraft reach the Moon approximately three days after launch.
● The celestial body holds a central place in the religion of many ancient civilizations.
● A small aluminum statue dedicated to all deceased astronauts is located on the satellite of Earth. It was installed by American researchers during the Apollo program.
● Those who visited the celestial body returned with more than empty hands. Between 1969 and 1972, they brought back nearly 400 kg of lunar soil.
● The shape of Earth's satellite is egg-shaped, not round.
● Extreme temperature fluctuations are a characteristic feature of the lunar climate. Throughout a lunar day, temperatures can change from -100 °C to +150 °C.
● Anyone with the desire can study the craters, plains, and faults of Earth's satellite using a regular telescope.
● Due to the absence of atmosphere, natural phenomena such as sunrises and sunsets do not occur on the Moon. However, the lunar surface offers a continuous view of the starry sky, the Sun, and Earth.
● The Moon serves as the final resting place for the renowned American scientist Eugene Shoemaker. In 1998, a capsule containing his ashes was delivered to Earth's satellite.
● In 1979, 13 nations agreed that the celestial body cannot be claimed by any nation or used for military purposes. However, none of the countries that ratified this agreement possess sufficient resources for exploring or colonizing Earth's satellite. China, Russia, and the United States chose to disregard this initiative.
● Humanity has not only delivered technology to the Moon but also art objects. During a second visit, American astronauts placed a small ceramic plate with carvings by six well-known U.S. artists.
● The celestial body is steadily shrinking and will eventually disappear over millions (or billions) of years.
● "Avatars" are not only fictional characters from a popular movie but also a scientific project aiming to use robots for the colonization of Earth's satellite.
● In many ways, humanity owes its existence to the Moon. Without it, our days would be shorter, storms stronger, and winds more destructive.
● Due to the absence of winds and moisture, the footprints of astronauts who visited the celestial body have remained unchanged for nearly 50 years.
