Earth's only natural satellite — a world of craters, mountains, and mystery that has inspired humanity for thousands of years.
About 384,400 km from Earth on average.
About 3,474 km across — roughly one quarter the size of Earth.
It takes about 27.3 days to orbit Earth once.
About 1/6 of Earth's gravity — you'd weigh much less!
From about -173°C at night to 127°C during the day.
The Moon's gravity pulls on the oceans, causing the tides.
There is no air, weather, or wind on the Moon.
The Moon is about 4.5 billion years old.
Apollo 11 landed the first humans on the Moon in July 1969.
As the Moon orbits Earth, the lit part we see changes shape. Click through the cycle:
Click the button to discover a random fun fact about the Moon!
Luna 2 becomes the first human-made object to reach the Moon.
Luna 9 makes the first soft landing on the Moon.
Apollo 11 lands the first humans on the Moon — "one small step..."
Apollo 17 becomes the last crewed mission to the Moon (so far).
Chang'e 4 makes the first landing on the far side of the Moon.
Test what you've learned!