The moon: The 8 lunar phases

The 8 lunar phases are: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, & waning crescent. Moon, Earth’s sole natural satellite and nearest celestial body. Known since prehistoric times, it is the brightest object in the sky after the Sun. Its name in English, like that of Earth, is of Germanic and Old English derivation. Moon On this page: Moon Moon’s Formation Atmosphere of Moon Robotic Race to the Moon Human Race to the Moon Moon The Moon is Earth’s nearest neighbor. It orbits the Earth at an average distance of approximately 240,000 miles (384,000 km). The Moon completes an orbit of the Earth every 27.3 days (approximately 655 hours). The Moon also rotates on its axis. Because of tidal forces, it completes one revolution every 655 hours. So, one “side” of the Moon is always facing the Earth, and ... Discover the moon like never before! Interactive moon phases, 3D moon exploration, moon landing history, and lunar calendar designed for children. Learn about the moon through NASA missions and space exploration.