Cool Moon Facts by Whip

Real astronomy, with sources. Folklore & tradition.

Fact #039 Geology

Surface gravity is about one sixth of Earth's, which is why Apollo crews gave up walking and started hopping.

Normal walking relies on falling forward onto the next foot, and at one sixth g you fall too slowly for it to feel right. Crews independently converged on a loping, two-footed bounce. In a stiff pressurised suit it was also simply less tiring.

Source: NASA Apollo surface operations (opens in a new tab) · checked Aug 2026

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