The Moon is Earths only natural satellite. It orbits around Earth at an average distance of 384,400 km, or about 30 times Earths diameter. The Moon always faces Earth with its near side by having a rotation period that equals its orbital period. Here are some key facts about the Moon:
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Formation: The Moon was likely formed after a Mars-sized body collided with Earth.
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Size: The Moon is the fifth largest of the 200+ moons orbiting planets in our solar system. It has a diameter of about 2,159 miles (3,475 kilometers), which is bigger than Pluto. The Moon is a bit more than one-fourth (27%) the size of Earth, a much larger ratio (1:4) than any other moons to their planets.
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Effects on Earth: The Moon makes Earth a more livable planet by moderating our home planets wobble on its axis, leading to a relatively stable climate. It also causes tides, creating a rhythm that has guided humans for thousands of years.
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Orbit: The Moons orbit and phases can seem mysterious. For example, the Moon always shows us the same face, but its always changing size as how much of it we see depends on the Moons position in relation to Earth and the sun.
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Exploration: NASA currently has three robotic spacecraft exploring the Moon – Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and the twin ARTEMIS spacecraft.
Moons are objects that orbit a planet or another celestial body that is not a star.
