The moon is our closest neighbor, and the only space object ever visited by man. In commemoration of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's first steps on the moon in 1969, July 20th is celebrated as Moon Day. Although I've never had anyone wish me a Happy Moon Day, I have found e-cards you can send to friends.
Nicely illustrated and appropriately hotlinked, Enchanted Learning's The Moon is perfect for elementary students. In addition to links within the article, you can visit related topics (such as Lunar Eclipses and Tides) listed in the horizontal menu. But don't leave until you scroll down the page to the Activities section to find two moon coloring pages and two moon quizzes (one interactive, the other printable.)
From Apollo (manned American flights from 1969 to 1972) to Zond (unmanned Soviet Union missions from 1965 to 1970), the research staff at the Lunar and Planetary Institute covers man's exploration of the moon. Each of the major missions is summarized, and even possible future missions are discussed. Since I was a teen during the Apollo 11 mission, I found The Decision to Go to the Moon (with oodles of links to speeches and other primary sources) fascinating.
Before stepping out to observe the moon tonight, take a moment to find out what's visible. Click on Lunar Tours, then select today's date on the monthly calendar. "The Moon is the most easily observable astronomical object, and also the most rewarding. For the beginner, it is a breathtaking spectacle through even a modest optical instrument, and as the knowledge and resources of the astronomer increase, it will continue to provide fascinating new challenges and insights. Inconstant Moon is intended as both an introduction to lunar astronomy for the beginner, and an ongoing reference point for the more experienced observer."
To The Moon "chronicles the untold science and engineering story of how we got to the moon." It was built as a companion to the 1999 PBS television special of the same name, but you don't need to have seen the show to visit the site. Hot clicks are Lunar Puzzlers ("How long is a moon day?"), Explore the Moon (walk on the moon through the magic of QuickTime VR) and Hear the Space Pioneers (audio interviews with Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell and others.)
In the "a picture is worth a thousand words" category is this beautiful Moon Phase Calendar from StarDate. Visit to see what phase the moon is in tonight (and every night this month) and to explore the rest of the StarDate site. Additional moon articles can be found by clicking Resources / Solar System Guide / Earth's Moon. "Earth and its Moon are relatively close in size, but the similarities end there The Moon has no atmosphere and very weak gravity."
Buy Moon Printable for $2.00
or try a FREE trial of the Printables ClubThe following links are either new discoveries or sites that didn't make it into my newspaper column because of space constraints. Enjoy!
Earth and Moon ViewerMoon Phases Calendars | Nine Planets: The MoonSolarviews: The Moon |
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