The Moon Steadies Earth’s Tilt

Saving moons, saving planets: the Moon keeps Earth's 23.5-degree tilt in check, which keeps our seasons and climate stable (NASA).

Image: NASA/NOAA DSCOVR EPIC.

Last reviewed: 1 source cited

Explain Like I'm 10

The Five W's of The Moon Steadies Earth’s Tilt

Who

Our Moon, as explained by NASA.

Source: NASA, 10 things we learn about Earth from the Moon

What

A natural stabilizer: the Moon keeps Earth’s 23.5-degree tilt in check and sets the rhythm of the tides.

Source: NASA, 10 things we learn about Earth from the Moon

When

All the time, while Earth slowly pushes the Moon away about 1.5 inches (3.78 cm) a year.

Source: NASA, 10 things we learn about Earth from the Moon

Where

About a quarter-million miles away, in around Earth.

Source: NASA, 10 things we learn about Earth from the Moon

Why

Without it, Earth could wobble more violently on its axis, drastically altering the climate.

Source: NASA, 10 things we learn about Earth from the Moon

Impact Statement

Natural solution

NASA explains that the 23.5-degree tilt keeps Earth safe to live on, because a more exaggerated tilt would cause more extreme seasons. Precisely measuring the Moon’s mass, size and orbit is essential for predicting tides and seasons.

Source: NASA, 10 things we learn about Earth from the Moon

For Further Information: NASA, 10 things we learn about Earth from the Moon

How This Saves People & the Planet

For People

The Moon sets the highs and lows of our tides, which shape how people use the ocean for food, travel and recreation.

Source: NASA, 10 things we learn about Earth from the Moon

For Nature

By keeping Earth’s tilt steady, the Moon maintains climate stability and keeps seasons from swinging to extremes.

Source: NASA, 10 things we learn about Earth from the Moon

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For Teachers

Discussion questions

  1. What is The Moon Steadies Earth’s Tilt, and what problem does it help solve?
  2. Who is behind The Moon Steadies Earth’s Tilt, and where does the work happen?
  3. How does The Moon Steadies Earth’s Tilt help both people and nature? Use one fact from this page.

Sources are listed with each fact in the Five W's above.

All teacher sheets

Cite This Page

APA

Saving Planets. (n.d.). The Moon Steadies Earth’s Tilt. https://www.savingplanets.com/Moon_Steadies_Earth.html

MLA

"The Moon Steadies Earth’s Tilt." Saving Planets, https://www.savingplanets.com/Moon_Steadies_Earth.html.

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