Our moon is Earth's sole natural satellite, meaning it's gravitationally bound to orbit our planet.
Birth by Impact
The leading theory suggests the moon formed from a giant collision billions of years ago between Earth and a Mars-sized object.
Tided Together
Earth and the moon are tidally locked, which means the same side of the moon always faces Earth. This explains why we only see one side of the moon from Earth.
Lunar Sway
The moon plays a major role in creating Earth's tides. The gravity between Earth, the moon, and the sun pulls on our oceans, causing them to bulge.
Water on the Moon
While there's no liquid water on the moon's surface due to the lack of atmosphere, scientists have found evidence of water ice in permanently shadowed craters.
Moon on the Move
The moon is slowly drifting away from Earth at a rate of about 4cm (1.6 inches) per year. This has been happening for billions of years.
Scents of Lunar Dust
Astronauts who have walked on the moon describe a unique smell to lunar dust, often likened to burnt gunpowder or wet metal.
Lunarquakes and More
The moon experiences moonquakes, just like Earth has earthquakes. These are caused by thermal stresses and meteorite impacts. The moon also has a weak atmosphere called an exosphere.