The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite, and it’s the closest astronomical object to our planet. It’s a rocky world with craters, and it’s tidally locked with Earth, so we always see the same side.
Features
- Distance: The Moon orbits Earth at an average of 238,855 miles (384,400 km).
- Size: The Moon has a diameter of 3,476 km, and it’s about 81 times less massive than Earth.
- Surface: The Moon’s surface is marked by craters, plains, and highlands.
- Atmosphere: The Moon has a very thin atmosphere called an exosphere that’s not breathable.
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures on the sunny side of the Moon reach 273° F (134° C), while the night side can get as cold as -243° F (-153° C).
Importance to Earth
- The Moon stabilizes Earth’s wobble on its axis, which contributes to a relatively stable climate.
- The Moon causes tides, which have guided humans for thousands of years.
Exploration
- The first humans to land on the Moon were Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in 1969.
- Eugene Cernan of Apollo 17 was the last person to touch the Moon in 1972.
- Many robotic spacecraft have also visited the Moon.