Earth's Moon: Formation, Composition and Orbit

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Latest about moon phases

Jan21-2023 at 2053 GMT - New Moon

The new moon is the closest in nearly 1,000 years tonight

By Stefanie Waldek published

The new moon on Saturday (Jan. 21) is the closest new moon in 992 years at just 221,561 miles (356,568 km) away, but you won't be able to see anything from Earth.

Stargazing
Full moon rises over the US Marine Corps War Memorial in Virginia, United States on January 5, 2023.

1st full moon of 2023 was a wonderful Wolf Moon worldwide (photos)

By Brett Tingley published

The first full moon of 2023, January's Wolf Moon, led to some gorgeous imagery around the world.

Stargazing
Sky map of the moon near Saturn on Dec. 26, 2022 in the southwestern sky.

See Saturn near the moon in a late Christmas gift in the night sky tonight (Dec. 26)

By Robert Lea published

The moon will visit Saturn for the last time of 2022 on Monday (Dec. 26) in a parting Christmas gift in a twilight conjunction that will disappear from view before night sets in.

Stargazing
This NASA sky map shows the locations of the moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Venus and Mars after sunset on Dec. 25, 2022.

See the moon and 4 planets align as Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury and Venus offer a rare night sky treat this week!

By Tariq Malik published

The Christmas moon lines up with four bright planets in a celestial holiday treat this week.

Stargazing
An illustration of the completely dark new moon against a backdrop of the moon during its lunar cycle.

Watch the final new moon of 2022 rise on Friday (Dec. 23)

By Robert Lea published

The final new moon of 2022 is upon us, signaling the beginning of the lunar cycle that will lead into 2023.

Stargazing
The last quarter moon as seen over the Moroccan capital Rabat on Aug. 6, 2012, shows the lunar face in stunning detail with lunar craters clearly visible.

See the final last quarter moon of 2022 rise tonight (Dec. 16)

By Robert Lea published

The moon will be exactly half illuminated during 2022's final last quarter moon on Friday (Dec. 16)

Stargazing
Graphic from Starry Night software showing the half illuminated moon surface in the night sky.

See the half-lit last quarter moon tonight (Nov. 16)

By Robert Lea published

The half-illuminated moon will be visible in the night sky on Wednesday as it continues to darken before the new moon on Nov. 23.

Stargazing
The Flower Moon lunar eclipse over NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans on May 15, 2022.

How to watch the Blood Moon lunar eclipse for free online, the last until 2025

By Tariq Malik last updated

You can see a Blood Moon total lunar eclipse on Nov. 8, the last until 2025. Here's how to watch it online for free.

Eclipses
This NASA graphic shows the stages of the total lunar eclipse of Nov. 8, 2022 in Eastern time.

What time is the Blood Moon total lunar eclipse on Nov. 8?

By Tariq Malik last updated

The last total lunar eclipse until 2025 will turn the moon a blood-red hue on Tuesday, Nov. 8, but exactly when you should look up depends on where you are.

Eclipses
blood red moon

Amazing photos of the last Blood Moon lunar eclipse of 2022 (gallery)

By Tariq Malik published

The moon passed through Earth's shadow in the final total lunar eclipse of 2022 on Nov. 8, 2022. See spectacular photos here!

Eclipses
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