Space4–5 · 6–8
The Moon Doesn’t Shine on Its Own
The Moon doesn't make its own light… it reflects sunlight!
Why?
The Sun is a giant ball of fire that makes its own light. The Moon is a big rock, and it has no light of its own.
When sunlight hits the Moon, it bounces off toward us, like light bouncing off a mirror. That’s why we see the Moon shining at night!
Try it
In a dark room, ask a grown-up to shine a flashlight 🔦 on a ball. The flashlight is the Sun and the ball is the Moon. Can you see that only the side facing the light shines?
Ask Mum & Dad
What other things shine only when light falls on them?