1. **Problem statement:** Why does the Moon stay in orbit instead of falling to Earth? 2. **Explanation:** The Moon stays in orbit because it is moving forward with a tangential velocity while Earth's gravity pulls it inward. 3. **Formula and concept:** The Moon's motion is an example of circular motion where the gravitational force provides the centripetal force: $$F_{gravity} = F_{centripetal}$$ $$\frac{GMm}{r^2} = \frac{mv^2}{r}$$ where $G$ is the gravitational constant, $M$ is Earth's mass, $m$ is Moon's mass, $r$ is the distance between Earth and Moon, and $v$ is the Moon's orbital velocity. 4. **Interpretation:** The Moon's forward velocity $v$ causes it to continuously "fall" around Earth rather than directly toward it, balancing the gravitational pull. 5. **Answer:** The correct reason is **The Moon is always moving forward**.