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 …

Jan 29, 2026 · 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.

Feb 1, 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 …

1 day ago · Check the Moon phase today with our live Moon Phase Tracker. See if it’s a Full Moon, New Moon, or Crescent in real time.

The Moon appears in different shapes each night, ranging from a fully illuminated disk to only a thin crescent of light. These observable lunar shapes that we see at different times of the month are …

Jul 16, 2004 · 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.

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 …

Sep 7, 2023 · How big is the Moon? The Moon is Earth’s only permanent natural satellite, and it’s the fifth-largest satellite in our solar system. The Moon’s diameter is approximately 2,160 miles (3,475...

The Moon Returning humans to lunar missions Why the moon? The Moon is one of Earth's closest habitable neighbors and provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience for missions to Mars …

2 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 …