Moon

Earth's satellite

Earth's only natural satellite and the only world humans have visited. Tidal locking keeps the same side facing us at all times.

Data

Type
Earth's satellite
Equatorial radius
1,737.4 km
Orbital period
27.3 days
Rotation period
27.3 days
Distance
384,400 km

Observing tip

The most dramatic detail lies along the terminator, the line between light and shadow, where crater shadows are longest. At full Moon the relief looks flat.

Solar System