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 contiguous United States). Your interactive map for observing the Moon each day of the year, featuring detailed views from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, plus special Moon events.

Understanding the Context

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 Germanic and Old English derivation. Use our Moon Phase Calendar to find dates and times of the full Moon, new Moon, and every phase in between.

Key Insights

Beyond the phases of the Moon, you will also see daily Moon illumination percentages and the Moon's age. The NASA-led Artemis II mission, carrying a four-person crew beyond Earth orbit for the first time since 1972, conducted a seven-hour flyby of the moon. A new study highlights the volcanic Rimae Bode region as a scientifically promising destination for China's first crewed moon landing mission, which the nation wants to achieve by 2030. Highlights From NASA’s Artemis II Moon Mission Splashdown The crew of three Americans and one Canadian are to return to Houston on Saturday after concluding a journey that sent humans around the ... Over seven hours, the astronauts took thousands of photos that will help inform scientists’ understanding of the moon.

Final Thoughts

The first ones have now been released.