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Moon

✨ The guardian of our nights

The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite and the closest large object to our planet in space. It formed about 4.5 billion years ago, most likely after a large collision between the young Earth and another rocky body. The Moon does not produce its own light; it appears bright because it reflects sunlight.

Its surface is covered with craters, mountains, plains of ancient volcanic rock, and a layer of dust called regolith. Because there is almost no atmosphere to protect it, many features on the Moon’s surface remain unchanged for very long periods.

The Moon has an important influence on Earth, especially through its gravity, which contributes to ocean tides. It also helps stabilize the tilt of Earth’s axis, which affects our planet’s climate over long periods.

The Moon takes about 27.3 days to complete one orbit around Earth and rotates at the same rate, which is why we always see nearly the same side from Earth. Humans first landed on the Moon in 1969 during NASA’s Apollo 11 mission. Since then, scientists have continued studying it to better understand the history of Earth and the Solar System.

💡 Did you know?

Do you know that on the Moon, your footsteps would remain visible for millions of years? Since there is no air or wind to blow the dust away, the footprints left by astronauts are still there, exactly as they were on the first day! You could even see the tire tracks from their moon buggies.

The Moon is discreetly moving away from us! Every year, it moves about 3.8 centimeters away from Earth, which is roughly the speed at which your nails grow. In a very long time, it will appear slightly smaller in our night sky.

Did you know? We always see the same side of the Moon! It rotates on itself at the same time it orbits the Earth. Consequently, it always shows us the same face. The side we never see from Earth is called the 'far side' of the Moon.