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 …

Dec 29, 2025 · Like Earth, the Moon has a day side and a night side, which change as the Moon rotates. The Sun always illuminates half of the Moon while the other half remains dark.

6 days ago · Particles from Earth’s atmosphere have been carried into space by solar wind and landing on the moon for billions of years, mixing into the lunar soil, according to a new study.

Jan 3, 2026 · Use our Moon Phase Calendar to find dates and times of the full Moon, new Moon, and every phase in between. Beyond the phases of the Moon, you will also see daily Moon illumination …

3 days ago · Today's moon phase. Get today's moonrise, moonset, moon age, moon distance, moon phase tonight with current viewing information.

4 days 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 …

What is the moon made of, and how did it form? Learn about the moon's violent origins, how its phases shaped the earliest calendars, and how humans first explored Earth's only natural satellite half a …

1 day ago · The rollout sets the stage for tests and dress rehearsals ahead of NASA's first crewed flight to the moon in more than 50 years. The mission could launch in three weeks.

Most scientists believe the moon was formed as a result of a giant impact between Earth and a planetary body 4.5 billion years ago.

The Moon, also known as Luna, is Earth 's only natural satellite (the only object which orbits the Earth and is not man-made). It is usually visible in the night sky, but is sometimes seen during the day.