What is the actual temperature on the Moon's surface? The answer might surprise you (photo included).

It may seem that the Moon is a cold and lifeless object orbiting the Earth. Indeed, there is no life on the Moon, but it’s not as cold as one might think, at least not all the time. Similar to Earth, the temperature on the Moon's surface varies depending on whether it is exposed to sunlight. In fact, temperature fluctuations on the Moon can be quite extreme, as noted by Live Science.

According to astronomer John Monier from the University of Michigan, USA, the Moon experiences extremely sharp temperature changes. The temperature on the Moon's surface can range from an average of minus 100 degrees Celsius to over 100 degrees Celsius. In comparison, the average temperature on Earth is about 15 degrees Celsius, with our planet's temperatures ranging from minus 89 degrees Celsius to plus 57 degrees Celsius.

Both Earth and the Moon are located at approximately the same distance from the Sun, about 150 million km. However, their temperatures differ due to several factors. Our planet has an atmosphere that helps maintain a moderate temperature and prevents sunlight from heating the Earth excessively. The Moon, on the other hand, lacks an atmosphere, which allows it to heat up significantly.

Additionally, Earth has oceans that absorb solar heat during the day and release it slowly at night. The Moon heats up significantly during the day and cools down sharply at night. A day and night cycle on the Moon lasts about two weeks each, meaning the Moon's surface undergoes extended periods of heating and cooling. However, temperatures on the Moon vary across different locations.

For instance, near the equator, daytime temperatures on the Moon can reach up to 120 degrees Celsius, while at night they can drop to minus 130 degrees Celsius. The Moon is the second world in the solar system after Mercury to experience such drastic temperature swings.

If you were at one of the poles of the Moon, you would notice that the Sun barely rises or sets in those areas. The Sun remains just above or below the horizon by about 1.5 degrees. This results in long shadows at the poles, meaning some craters there are perpetually in darkness.

According to Monier, in some areas at the poles of the Moon, which are depressions formed by past volcanic activity, observations show a moderate temperature equivalent to about 17 degrees Celsius. This suggests that a base for a permanent human presence on the Moon could potentially be established there.

However, the temperature inside many craters near the poles, where sunlight never reaches, is extremely low. Some scientists believe that these locations might have the lowest temperatures in the solar system. Available data indicates that temperatures in these craters are around minus 248 degrees Celsius, but they are likely much colder.

According to Monier, understanding the temperature fluctuations on the Moon is crucial for future long-term human presence on the lunar surface, as well as for further exploration. It is essential to develop equipment that can withstand these extreme temperature changes.