The Moon
The Moon
Moon of Earth
The Moon facts
- Orbits
- Earth
- Distance from Earth
- 384,400 km (60.3 Earth-radii)
- Orbital period
- 27.3 days
- Diameter
- 3,475 km
- Mass
- 7.34 × 10²² kg
- Orbital inclination
- 5.14°
- Tidally locked
- Yes
- Discovered
- Known since prehistory
The Moon orbits Earth
Watch The Moon (highlighted) circle Earth. Press play; the moons run at their real relative speeds.
Relative sizes and spacing are compressed; orbits shown coplanar. Click a moon for its page.
Paused
About The Moon
The Moon (also called Luna) is Earth's only natural satellite and the fifth-largest moon in the Solar System. It is tidally locked, so it always shows Earth the same face, and its gravity drives the ocean tides. It is the only other world humans have set foot on.
- Named after the Old English 'mona'; also called Luna
- Discovered: Known since prehistory
The Moon: frequently asked questions
- What is The Moon?
- The Moon (also called Luna) is Earth's only natural satellite and the fifth-largest moon in the Solar System.
- What planet does The Moon orbit?
- The Moon orbits Earth at an average distance of about 384,400 km, completing one lap every 27.3 days.
- How big is The Moon?
- The Moon has a diameter of about 3,475 km and a mass of roughly 7.34 × 10²² kg.
- Why is The Moon famous?
- The Moon's claim to fame: the only body beyond Earth humans have visited, and the fifth-largest moon in the Solar System.
See The Moon in motion
Back to Earth, or open the full Solar System orrery →
Data from NASA/JPL and NSSDCA. Source.