Astronauts weigh less on the Moon compared to Earth due to the significant difference in gravitational pull between the two celestial bodies. The Moon has only about 1/6th the gravitational acceleration of Earth. This phenomenon is caused by two primary factors:
Mass of the Celestial Body: The force of gravity depends on the mass of the celestial body. Earth is much larger and more massive than the Moon, which results in a stronger gravitational pull on its surface. The Moon's mass is approximately 1/6th that of Earth, so its gravitational pull is correspondingly weaker.
Distance from the Center of Mass: Gravity also depends on the distance from the center of mass. On Earth, we are close to its center of mass, experiencing a gravitational pull directed toward the Earth's core. On the Moon, astronauts are still affected by its gravity, but they are farther from its center of mass, resulting in a weaker gravitational force pulling them downward.
When astronauts visit the Moon, they experience a reduced gravitational force compared to what they are accustomed to on Earth. This reduced gravity is often referred to as lunar gravity. Due to this weaker gravitational pull, astronauts on the Moon weigh approximately 1/6th of their weight on Earth. This means that they feel lighter and can jump higher and move more easily in the lunar environment.