Characteristic Features of the Moon:
The moon, Earth's natural satellite, has several characteristic features that make it unique in our solar system. Here are some of the key features:

Surface:
- The moon's surface is covered in craters, mountains, and valleys.
- The dark areas on the moon are called maria, which are large plains formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.
- The light areas are called highlands, which are rugged and mountainous regions.

Phases:
- The moon goes through different phases as it orbits the Earth, including new moon, crescent, first quarter, gibbous, and full moon.
- These phases are caused by the changing position of the sun, Earth, and moon in relation to each other.

Gravity:
- The moon has about one-sixth the gravity of Earth, which means objects weigh less on the moon than they do on Earth.
- This lower gravity allows astronauts to jump higher and move more easily on the moon's surface.

Temperature:
- The moon has extreme temperature variations, ranging from about -280°F (-173°C) at night to 260°F (127°C) during the day.
- These temperature differences are due to the moon's lack of atmosphere to regulate heat.

Rotation:
- The moon rotates on its axis at the same rate that it orbits the Earth, causing one side of the moon to always face Earth.
- This phenomenon is known as synchronous rotation.
These characteristic features of the moon make it a fascinating object to study and observe in the night sky.