Facts about moon nasa. The Moon stands out as Earth’s only natural satellite, orbiting at an average distance of about 384,400 kilometers. Earth's Moon is the only Sep 18, 2025 · The 8 lunar phases are: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, & waning crescent. This graphic shows all eight moon phases we see as the Moon makes a complete orbit of Earth about every four weeks. However, because of how sunlight hits the Moon, it takes about 29. Apr 18, 2023 · This site has facts, figures, images and links about Earth's moon. Their rotations are so in sync we only see one side of the Moon. The Moon was likely formed after a Mars-sized body collided with Earth several billion years ago. 3 days ago · As the Moon travels around Earth, different parts of it are lit up by the Sun. The brightest and largest object in our night sky, the Moon makes Earth a more livable planet by moderating our home planet's wobble on its axis, leading to a relatively stable climate. 3 days for the Moon to orbit Earth. The Moon has a solid, rocky surface cratered and pitted from impacts by asteroids, meteorites, and comets. These changes in the Moon's appearance from our view on Earth are called moon phases. It takes about 27. 74 given for an equator to Moon-centre distance of 378 000 km in the NASA factsheet reference to the minimum Earth–Moon distance given there, after the latter is corrected for Earth's equatorial radius of 6 378 km, giving 350 600 km. Jun 25, 2025 · The Earth and Moon are tidally locked. The Moon is Earth’s Only Natural Satellite. Sep 17, 2025 · The Moon makes Earth more livable, sets the rhythm of ocean tides, and keeps a record of our solar system's history. 1. 2 days ago · The Moon displays these eight phases one after the other as it moves through its cycle each month. ^ The maximum value is given based on scaling of the brightness from the value of −12. Here’s what the Moon looks like right now from Earth:. 5 days to go from one new moon to the next new moon. Explore NASA lunar science here. Humans didn't see the lunar far side until a Soviet spacecraft flew past in 1959. Jun 11, 2025 · Join us as we explore the 21 most interesting facts about the Moon, revealing secrets both familiar and surprising. In this article, we will explore 100 intriguing facts about the Moon, shedding light on both its historical significance and the latest scientific discoveries. The Basics: The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite, and it's located around 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers) away from our planet. It also causes tides, creating a rhythm that has guided humans for thousands of years. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech Jul 28, 2021 · Looking for some quick facts to impress others when you're out enjoying a moonlit night? Well, here are five things to know about the Moon that you can share with others when you're gazing up at our natural satellite. ep lw pe uuw po jann yguubf qvn 6fd 3zfj9t