Moon (Earth's Moon)

The Moon is Earth's natural satellite, orbiting our planet at an average distance of about 384,400 kilometers (238,900 miles). It influences ocean tides through its gravitational pull and is roughly 1/4 the size of Earth. The Moon has a rocky, cratered surface with no atmosphere, experiencing day and night cycles due to its rotation—each about 27.3 days. It is believed to have formed from debris after a large collision between Earth and a Mars-sized object. The Moon has been a focus of scientific study and exploration, serving as a stepping stone for further space missions.