SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/kid-moon-reflects-sun
The full moon looks bright at night. Where does its light come from?
It is sunlight bouncing off the moon.
- Its own glowing rocks
- Light from Earth's cities
- Sunlight bouncing off it ✔
Why: The moon does not make its own light. Sunlight hits the moon and bounces to our eyes.
Huh, didn't know that: In our solar system, the only object that shines with its own light is the Sun.
Why did the moon skip dinner? It was already full.
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References
Answer: Sunlight bouncing off it. The moon does not make its own light. Sunlight hits the moon and bounces to our eyes.
- NASA Science: Moon Phases science.nasa.gov/moon/moon-phases
The Moon does not make its own light. "Moonlight" is actually reflected sunlight.
Checked 2026-10-11.
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