The Earth is larger than the moon in all respects. The moon is only about 25% of Earth's diameter and only 1/50 the volume of this planet. In terms of specific figures, Earth's diameter is 12,742 km, while that of the moon is only 3,476 km. The moon's gravity is about 1/6 the gravity of Earth.
The surface of the moon is also very different than that of the Earth. The moon is comprised largely of a rugged, rocky surface, with numerous craters and some mountains. Those areas of the moon that most resemble plains, due to their flat, relatively smooth surfaces are called "maria," which is the Latin word for "seas." Additionally, it should be noted that despite popular misconceptions, the moon does not actually produce any light. Instead, when we see the moon in the night sky, the sun's light is actually reflecting off of the moon's surface, thus producing a glow.
The surface of the moon is also very different than that of the Earth. The moon is comprised largely of a rugged, rocky surface, with numerous craters and some mountains. Those areas of the moon that most resemble plains, due to their flat, relatively smooth surfaces are called "maria," which is the Latin word for "seas." Additionally, it should be noted that despite popular misconceptions, the moon does not actually produce any light. Instead, when we see the moon in the night sky, the sun's light is actually reflecting off of the moon's surface, thus producing a glow.
