Why Doesn't the Moon Fall Down?

The Moon, Earth's natural satellite, seems to hover in the sky, unaffected by gravity. However, the reason the Moon stays in orbit is precisely because of gravity -- a universal force that attracts objects. With the right combination of speed and gravity, satellites can fall around, instead of into, the body that they orbit. In this animated video segment adapted from NASA, learn about how the Moon stays in orbit around Earth.

Resource ID#: 4476 Type: Video/Audio/Animation

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Direct Link: http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.eiu.moonorbit/

General Information

Subject(s): Science

Grade Level(s): 8

Intended Audience: Educators

Suggested Technology: Computer for Presenter, Internet Connection, LCD Projector

Instructional Time: 20 Minute(s)

Keywords: moon, earth, gravity, orbit, pull, force

Instructional Component Type(s): Video/Audio/Animation

Resource Collection: iCPALMS

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