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5 Functions of the Moon for Life on Earth, Here’s an Explanation

Full Moon Illustration. (Pixabay)

Hitekno.com – Do you know the function of the Moon for life on Earth? Month is a natural satellite Earth the only and fifth largest satellite in the Solar System.

The Moon is also the largest natural satellite in the Solar System by planetary size, with a diameter of 27%, a density of 60%, and a mass of the Earth.

The moon is called Earth’s satellite because it moves around the Earth. The moon is thought to have formed about 4.51 billion years ago, not long after Earth.

The moon was formed from debris left over from the collision between Earth and Theia, an object the size of the planet Mars. The width of the Moon is less than 3,500 kilometers, about a quarter the size of Earth, reported from Kiddle, Monday (4/4/2022).

Unlike Earth, the Moon has no atmosphere. This is because the Moon has a smaller size with a weak magnetic field.

In contrast, our planet has more mass to hold its atmosphere as well as a strong magnetic field to protect it. According to explanations from astronomers, the surface of the Moon consists of the remains of dead volcanoes, craters and the remains of lava flows.

This surface looks rocky, barren and has a gray color. The Moon’s crust also consists of a rocky surface covered with regolith Space.comMonday (4/4/2022).

Illustration of a full moon. (NASA)

But did you know the Moon has an important role for life on Earth? Following Moon function for the life of the Earth that HiTekno.com has summarized for you.

The Function of the Moon for Life on Earth

1. Stabilize the Climate

The moon has an important role in climate change on Earth. This climate change occurs because the Moon limits the rotation of the Earth. If the rotation of the Earth is not limited by the Moon, then the movement will be too fast.

Rotation that is too fast will make Earth’s temperature drop drastically. This happens because the sun does not have enough time to warm the Earth.

2. Affecting the Tides

In addition to climate, the Moon also has a role in the tides of sea water on Earth. These tides play an important role in the life of animals and plants in the sea.

The occurrence of these tides is the effect of the proximity of the Earth to the Moon. So the Moon exerts a strong gravitational pull on Earth. Gravity is what makes the tides.

3. Description at Night

The moon is one of the natural lights on Earth. This natural satellite does not emit light, but it will reflect sunlight to Earth at night.

That way, the Earth will remain bright even at night. This light from the Moon also makes night animals able to move and find food.

4. Slowing the Earth’s Rotation

With the Moon, the Earth rotates more slowly. Without the Moon, time on Earth would be shorter than usual.

In addition, the rotation of the Earth allows humans to determine the time and calendar. This lunar calendar has been used for a long time.

5. Keeping the Earth on Its Axis

The moon also has a role in keeping the Earth on its axis. Earth has a tilt of 23.4 degrees with a change between 22.1 degrees to 24.5 degrees.

If there is no gravitational force from the Moon, the tilt of the Earth can change up to 45 degrees. This will result in climate change on Earth. Even without a balanced axis, Earth can experience six months of day and six months of night.

That is the function of the Moon for life on Earth without the Moon and sunlight, the Earth will turn into a pitch black planet. Hopefully the information above adds to your knowledge.

Contributor: Pasha Family Wilkins

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