To the Moon and Back (book) facts for kids
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First edition
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| Author | Jackie French and Bryan Sullivan |
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| Illustrator | Sarah Baron |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Space travel |
| Publisher | HarperCollins |
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Publication date
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2004 |
| Pages | 196 |
| ISBN | 0207200092 |
To the Moon and Back: The Amazing Australians at the Forefront of Space Travel Plus Fantastic Moon Facts is an exciting book from 2004. It was written by famous Australian author Jackie French and her husband, Bryan Sullivan. This book takes readers on a journey through space. It shares incredible stories about Australians who have helped us explore the cosmos. You will also discover many cool facts about Earth's closest neighbor, the Moon!
About the Book: Exploring Space
This book is a non-fiction adventure. It teaches young readers about space travel. It highlights the important roles Australians have played. The book also dives into fascinating details about the Moon. It's a great read for anyone curious about what lies beyond Earth.
Why Do We Explore Space?
Space exploration helps us understand our universe. It teaches us about Earth and other planets. Scientists learn how stars are born and how galaxies form. This knowledge can help us protect our planet. It also inspires new technologies. Many things we use daily, like GPS, came from space research.
Australians and Space Exploration
Australia has a long history with space. Even without launching many rockets, Australians have made big contributions. They have helped track spacecraft. They have also developed new technologies. Many Australian scientists and engineers work in space agencies worldwide.
Tracking Stations and Deep Space Communication
One major role for Australia is its tracking stations. These stations listen to spacecraft far away. They send commands to probes exploring other planets. The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex is a famous example. It is part of NASA's global network. This complex helped receive images from the first Moon landing.
Australian Scientists and Astronauts
While Australia has not yet sent its own astronauts into space, many Australians work in the field. Some have become astronauts for other countries. Others are scientists who design missions. They study space from Earth. They also develop new materials for spacecraft.
Future of Australian Space Efforts
Australia is growing its own space industry. The Australian Space Agency was created in 2018. Its goal is to help Australia join global space efforts. This means more opportunities for young Australians. They can help design satellites or explore new planets.
Amazing Facts About the Moon
The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite. It has fascinated humans for thousands of years. It looks bright in the night sky. But it does not make its own light. It reflects light from the Sun.
What is the Moon Made Of?
The Moon's surface is covered in craters. These are holes made by impacts from asteroids and comets. It has mountains, valleys, and flat plains called "maria." Maria are ancient lava flows. The Moon is mostly made of rock and dust. It has a small core, a mantle, and a crust.
How Does the Moon Affect Earth?
The Moon has a strong gravitational pull. This pull causes the tides in Earth's oceans. When the Moon is overhead, it pulls the water towards it. This creates a high tide. Another high tide happens on the opposite side of Earth. This is because the Moon pulls Earth itself away from the water on that side.
Phases of the Moon
The Moon appears to change shape in the sky. These are called Moon phases. They depend on how much of the Moon is lit by the Sun. As the Moon orbits Earth, we see different amounts of its sunlit side. The phases go from new moon to crescent, quarter, gibbous, and full moon. Then they cycle back again.
Awards and Recognition
To the Moon and Back received a special award. It won the CBCA Children's Book of the Year Award: Eve Pownall Award for Information Books in 2005. This award celebrates the best non-fiction books for children in Australia. It shows that the book is highly valued for its educational content.
