Hey, Grade 3 explorers! Today, let's take a journey into the night sky and discover some fascinating facts about our closest celestial neighbor?the moon. Bright Companion: Did you know the moon is Earth's only natural satellite? It's always there, sometimes shining brightly, sometimes peeking through the clouds, keeping us company at night. Changing Faces: The moon doesn't always look the same. It goes through different phases, like a bright full moon or a slender crescent. This happens because of how the moon and the sun interact with each other. Footprints on the Moon: In 1969, humans landed on the moon for the first time during the Apollo 11 mission. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin left their footprints on the lunar surface, marking a historic moment. Moon's Gravity: Even though the moon is much smaller than Earth, it has enough gravity to influence our planet. It plays a role in creating ocean tides here on Earth.