Our Amazing Moon by Murry Rives

In the book of Genesis, we’re told that the Creator made the Moon on the fourth day, to be for lights in the firmament of the heaven. 

Just how special is our Moon?
Was it created without purpose, as today’s scientists suggest?

In this issue we will discuss the Moon which was created as the main light source to govern our night skies.

Our Moon is the most visually stunning celestial object in the night-time hours because it is so easy to see, even without the use of a telescope or binoculars. While it is easier to study the smaller characteristics of the Moon with optical instruments, we can still spot many of its main surface features with the unaided eye.

The Moon is 239,000 miles from Earth; it’s just over a quarter the size of the Earth, and compared to its host planet it is the largest proportionally of all the other moons in the Solar System.

Ocean tides here on Earth are created by the gravity of the Moon, which helps to circulate the warm and cold waters of the ocean. Unlit areas of the Moon’s surface can reach a shuddering temperature of -280 degrees Fahrenheit, while the “sun-lit” daytime portions suffer temperatures of up to +260 degrees Fahrenheit. 

An occurrence known as “Libration” results in the Moon “rocking” back and forth, allowing an observer to see a total 59 percent of the Moon’s surface.

Unlike the Sun, the Moon does not generate its own light, but has a reflective surface, which enables it to produce light by way of the Sun’s rays shining on its face. Because of this very unique means of making light, we are sometimes entertained by an amazing spectacle known as a “Lunar Eclipse.”

Lunar eclipses occur as the Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, either directly or indirectly and can take place up to three times per year. We won’t see another total eclipse until the year 2010.

Our Moon occupies an elliptical, or oval shaped orbit around the Earth. As a result, its distance varies by about 26,000 miles at the nearest and farthest points in its orbital pattern. It completes one orbit of Earth about every 27 and one third days, and spins on its axis once each orbit. Throughout the lunar phases, it rises around fifty minutes later each night.

Conclusion

We are also told in the book of Genesis that the Moon was made to be a light for signs, seasons, days, and years.

Yet, we are also told that a day is coming when the heaven and Earth as we know it will pass away, and we will have no more need for the light of the Sun, Moon or Stars.

Murry Rives

For a close look at the Moon, Earth's fascinating neighbor, check out this book: "Our Created Moon - by Dr. DeYoung"