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 …

6 days ago · 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.

Jan 21, 2026 · Discover fascinating Moon facts—from its size and orbit to gravity, brightness, and temperature. Learn what makes Earth’s Moon truly unique.

We see the full moon when the sun is directly behind us, illuminating a full hemisphere of the moon when it is directly in front of us.

1 day ago · Ahead of the anticipated launch of the Artemis II mission, catch a glimpse of February’s full moon, called the snow moon.

2 days ago · Current moon phase, including information about its position, illumination, moonrise, and moonset.

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 …

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 of Earth, is of …

The moon is the Earth's only natural satellite and the closest celestial object. Learn about the moon and some of the theories about the moon's origin.

1 day ago · Bracing for a weekend cold snap in Florida, NASA delayed a dress rehearsal fueling test for its Artemis II moon rocket, moving it from Saturday to Monday, and pushed the long-awaited launch …