In geophysical terms, the Moon is a planetary-mass object or satellite planet. Its mass is 1.2% that of the Earth, and its diameter is 3,474 km (2,159 mi), roughly one-quarter of Earth's (about as wide as the …

Jul 13, 2026 · The Moon makes Earth more livable, sets the rhythm of ocean tides, and keeps a record of our solar system's history. Explore NASA lunar science here.

18 hours ago · Moon, Earth’s sole natural satellite and nearest celestial body. Known since prehistoric times, it is the brightest object in the sky after the Sun. Its name in English, like that of Earth, is of …

Track the moon phase today with our interactive moon phase calculator. Get details on the current moon phase and the next full moon phase.

May 18, 2026 · Earth has just one moon – a rocky, cratered place, roughly a quarter the size of Earth and an average of 238,855 miles away. The Moon can be seen with the naked eye most nights as it …

May 23, 2023 · Learn how Earth's moon formed, how its orbit affects Earth's tides, why solar and lunar eclipses happen and the history of lunar exploration.

Because the Moon is tidally locked to Earth, the cycle of phases takes one lunar month and moves across the same side of the Moon, which always faces Earth. In common usage, the four major …

Oct 6, 2025 · The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite and the brightest natural object we can see in the night sky. Its appearance changes each night throughout the month, waxing and waning from new …

Sep 7, 2023 · How big is the Moon? The Moon is Earth’s only permanent natural satellite, and it’s the fifth-largest satellite in our solar system. The Moon’s diameter is approximately 2,160 miles...

Nov 5, 2025 · Explore interesting moon facts, from its phases and orbit to tides, eclipses, surface features, and future lunar exploration.