MOON

WHAT IS MOON?

The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite, orbiting our planet at an average distance of about 384,400 km. It’s the fifth-largest moon in the solar system and is the only celestial body beyond Earth where humans have set foot.

KEY FACTS

  • Diameter: ~3,474 km (about 1/4 the size of Earth)

  • Gravity: ~1/6 of Earth’s gravity

  • Orbital Period: 27.3 days (sidereal); 29.5 days (synodic/full moon to full moon)

  • Surface: Rocky, with craters, maria (dark plains), and highlands

  • No atmosphere: Which means no weather, wind, or sound