Moon
NASA/JPL
Natural satellite

Moon

Causes most ocean tides.

Object typeNatural satellite
Diameter3,475 km
Mass0.0123 Earth masses
Gravity1.62 m/s²
Average temperature-173°C to 127°C
Distance from the SunOrbits Earth
Orbital period27.3 days
Rotation period27.3 days
Number of moons0
AtmosphereVery thin exosphere
DiscoveryKnown since prehistory

Interesting Facts

  • Causes most ocean tides.
  • Records early Solar System impacts.

Major Missions

  • Apollo
  • LRO
  • Artemis