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.

Jan 13, 2026 · 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.

Dec 5, 2024 · A moon is an object that orbits a planet or something else that is not a star. Besides planets, moons can circle dwarf planets, large asteroids, and other bodies. Objects that orbit other …

Oct 7, 2025 · Live Science brings you the best moon facts and answers all of your lunar queries, from how did the moon form and whether the moon could ever be pushed from orbit to what is the "man in …

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 …

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

2 days ago · NASA is inviting the public to add their names to a historic lunar mission known as Artemis 2 that is due to launch between February and April.

The calculator can display times for locations across the U.S. and Canada. Simply input your ZIP or Postal code below to see times in your location for any given date. More Astronomy Tools: BONUS: …

The Full Moon is when the Sun and the Moon are aligned on opposite sides of Earth, and approximately 100% of the Moon’s face is illuminated by the Sun (see illustration).