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.

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 about each …

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.

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 …

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 …

2 days 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.

The moon and sun share top billing in 2026. Kicking off the year's cosmic wonders is the moon, drawing the first astronauts to visit in more than 50 years.

1 day ago · NASA is preparing to send astronauts to the moon as early as next month, which will include Canadian Space Agency's Jeremy Hansen. But first they need to ensure the rocket and spacecraft …

5 days ago · NASA announces Artemis II launch date for Feb. 6, sending four astronauts around the Moon for the first time in over 50 years in historic 10-day mission.