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Earth's Moon: Formation, Composition and Orbit

Astronaut Paolo Nespoli took this image of the moon on March 20, 2011, and wrote, "#Supermoon was spectacular from here!"
Astronaut Paolo Nespoli took this image of the moon aboard the International Space Station on March 20, 2011, and wrote, "#Supermoon was spectacular from here!" (Image credit: ESA/NASA)

Scientists say a giant impact knocked off the raw ingredients for the moon off the primitive molten Earth and into orbit.

Related Topics: Earth, Apollo Program, Moon Phases 

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Latest about moon phases

What is the moon phase today? Lunar phases 2025

By Tariq Malik, Daisy Dobrijevic last updated

Reference See what moon phase it is tonight and find out when you can see the rest of the moon phases for 2025.

Reference
The moon half-lit moon is pictured against a dark sky at its first quarter phase. Dark lunar seas mark the upper portion of the lunar surface and the line dividing the night side from the day side is lined with shadowed craters.

Don't miss the half-lit first quarter moon rise tonight: Here's what to look for

By Anthony Wood published

The first quarter moon is the perfect opportunity to explore shadowed craters lining the terminator.

Stargazing
a reddish-colored moon above a seaside landscape

June full moon 2025: The Strawberry Moon hides red star Antares

By Jesse Emspak last updated

Reference The full moon of June 2025, the Strawberry Moon, will pass in front of the red supergiant star Antares the day before the full moon in an event known as an occultation.

Reference
an illustration of the moon with a smiling, winking face

Lunar Google Doodle celebrates May's third quarter moon with interactive card game

By Samantha Mathewson last updated

Google's latest Doodle celebrates May's half moon with a fun interactive card game.

Entertainment
A castle ruin is in the foreground of the image with a subtle pink hued sky and a bright full moon.

Full moon calendar 2025: When to see the next full moon

By Tariq Malik last updated

Reference The full moon happens about once a month. Find out when.

Reference
A full moon is pictured in the night sky with purple flowers framing the upper part of the image.

The 2025 full Flower Moon rises tonight: Here's what to expect

By Anthony Wood published

When and where to catch the 2025 full Flower Moon rise tonight (May 12).

Stargazing
a bright white full moon rises above the ruins of an ancient building

May full moon 2025: The Flower Moon hides the red star Antares

By Jesse Emspak last updated

Reference The Full Flower Moon of 2025 will occur in the eastern U.S. during the evening hours of May 12. Two days later, the just-past-full moon will occult the star Antares.

Reference
new moon illustration shows a very dimly lit moon against a black background.

New moon calendar 2025: When is the next new moon?

By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated

Reference Discover what a new moon is and when the next new moon will occur with our new moon 2025 guide.

Reference
Night sky map

New moon of April 2025 sees Venus and Saturn join up in the sky this weekend

By Jesse Emspak published

The new moon occurs April 27, and a day later Venus and Saturn will make a close approach to each other (known as a conjunction) in the predawn sky.

The moon
a large full moon in the evening sky above stacks of flat, rectangular stones

April full moon 2025: The Pink Moon hides one of the brightest stars in the sky

By Jesse Emspak last updated

The full moon of April 2025, called the Pink Moon, will occur during the evening hours of April 12 and will occult the star Spica in the Virgo constellation this month.

Stargazing
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