Moonlight and Me: Discovering the Moon’s Secrets
Chapter 3: The Moon and the Earth
The Moon and Earth are besties. They’ve been spinning, circling, and pulling on each other in a slow dance for billions of years!
If you could look down from space, you’d see the Earth turning on her axis while the Moon circles around her. They never bump into each other. It’s perfect motion, as if they are on invisible strings!
Gravity: The Invisible Connection
What keeps the Moon near Earth? Something I briefly mentioned previously, the sciency stuff.... but it is also magical — gravity. Gravity is a force that pulls things toward each other. It’s what keeps your feet on the ground, your water in the cup, and the Moon close to us in space.
The Moon has a special invisible pull called gravity. It helps move the ocean’s waves and keeps Earth’s water in balance. That sounds super sciency, right? But honestly, it feels more like magic to me — and I LOVE magic!
Have you ever thought about what would happen if the Moon just disappeared one night? Our days would actually get shorter! That’s because the Moon’s gentle gravity helps slow down how fast the Earth spins. Without her, we’d spin super fast, and the days would whizz by before you even had time for a bedtime story!
And that’s not all — the Moon helps take care of our oceans too. Without her, the tides would be tiny, and the sea creatures wouldn’t get all the nutrients they need. The whole ocean would get a bit messed up. So really, the Moon helps hold everything together, isn’t that amazing? The Moon really is our friend!
The Moon and the Tides
Have you ever noticed how the sea moves in and out — sometimes closer to the shore, sometimes further away? That’s all because of the Moon.
The Moon’s gravity pulls on Earth’s water, tugging it gently toward her. When the Moon is over one part of the world, the water there bulges up a little — that’s high tide.
As the Earth spins, different places move into the Moon’s pull — and so, the tides change all day long. It’s like the ocean is breathing in and out, in time with the Moon.
The Moon’s Gentle Power
The Moon doesn’t just move water — she moves us, too - does that sound a bit crazy?! Think about it. Around 60% of our bodies are made of water, and though the Moon’s gravitational pull on us is tiny, it’s there. Many people feel connected to her phases, for example some say they feel more creative during the full Moon, or calmer when the Moon is new and dark.
Whether it’s brain boggling sciencey stuff or simple magic, the Moon reminds us that we’re part of something bigger — a world, no universe, of cycles and patterns, always turning and changing - and all connected.
Perfect Partners
The Moon keeps Earth steady — she’s a bestie holding the Earth’s hand helping her balance. She’s not just beautiful; she’s essential. Together, Earth and Moon create harmony — a cosmic partnership that’s lasted billions of years - “It's a love story, baby, just say, Yes" - Sorry Taylor Swift suddenly popped into my head, it is a bit like a love story!
Activity: Our Moon–Earth Friendship Poster
Create a piece of art showing how the Earth and Moon are connected.
You’ll need: paper, colouring pens/pencils, scissors and string.
Draw and cut out a circle for Earth and a smaller one for the Moon.
Decorate them and stick them to a piece of paper or card - I always recommend adding lots of glitter for some sparkle.
Stick a piece of string or cotton between them to connect them — that’s their gravity connection - the invisible thread.
Decorate your page with waves, stars, and arrows showing how they orbit each other - you could even include the Sun in this planetary/star party.
Hang it where you can see it — a reminder that every tide, every moonrise, every wave is part of this bestie friendship - or love story!
Activity - Reflection
Tonight, when you look at the Moon, imagine the invisible thread that connects her to Earth — and to you.
Think of the waves she stirs, the light she shares, and the way she always returns. Have your Moon Journal with you and note anything down that you feel, or that may pop into your head.
