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 …

3 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 …

NASA's interactive map for observing the Moon each day of the year.

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 …

Find the Moon’s illumination, distance, and latitude for any time on any date. The Moon has four primary and four intermediate lunar phases during a lunar month. Here's all you need to know …

Jun 10, 2025 · Earth’s companion has allowed astronomers to define lunar cycles, navigate without technology, and understand celestial movements.

Sep 18, 2025 · The eight lunar phases are, in order: new Moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full Moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent. The cycle …

Nov 7, 2025 · Moon - Craters, Highlands, Maria: The Moon is a spherical rocky body, probably with a small metallic core, revolving around Earth in a slightly eccentric orbit at a mean …

A lunar phase or Moon phase is the apparent shape of the Moon 's day and night phases of the lunar day as viewed from afar. Because the Moon is tidally locked to Earth, the cycle of …

2 days ago · This, researchers hope, will help settle a long debate about whether the Moon's inner heart is solid or molten, and lead to a more accurate understanding of the Moon's history – …