Myth
Moon phase is the result from Earth casting a shadow on the Moon or by the clouds or by lunar rotation.
Truth
The Moon phase changes only from the view from the Earth or from viewer’s perspective.
Myth
The phase of the Moon depends on the country you are in.
Truth
It doesn’t depend on the country you are in - the phase is the same. However, the territories south of the equator will see the Moon upside down.
Myth
The Moon rotates around the Earth within 24 hours.
Truth
It actually takes a little bit more than 27 days for the Moon to completely rotate around the Earth. But from New Moon to New Moon it is 29 and half days.
Myth
The Moon produces light itself.
Truth
The Moon is shining due to the sunlight, it reflects the sunlight. Actually, the shining side of the Moon means there is a daytime on the Moon.
Myth
The Moon stands still.
Truth
The Moon rotates on its axis and around the Earth, however it takes a little bit more than 27 days. The main reason why we might think that it stands still is that it takes Moon the same time to rotate the Earth, so we always see the Moon’s face.
Myth
There is a side of the Moon that is always dark.
Truth
The Moon rotates so there is no side that is always dark. The front and the back side are changing so one of them is lit and another one is dark.
Myth
There is no gravity on the Moon, things just stay where they are if they are dropped.
Truth
There is gravity on the Moon, but compared to Earth it is way less.
Myth
You can see the Moon only at the nighttime.
Truth
We regularly see the Moon during the daylight. We cannot see the Moon during the day if it is only in its full phase or new Moon phase.
Myth
At the horizon the Moon is bigger since it is closer to Earth.
Truth
The Moon is of the same size, it is visual illusion, but there is no clear scientific explanation to that. Most probably it is due to the perspective and the disposition of other objects.
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