Visit the Moon Travel Postcard

The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite and the fifth largest moon in the Solar System. It orbits our planet at an average distance of about 384,400 kilometers (238,855 miles) and has a diameter of roughly 3,474 kilometers (2,159 miles), making it about one-fourth the size of Earth. The Moon’s surface is covered with craters, mountains, and vast plains called maria, formed by ancient volcanic activity and meteor impacts. It has no atmosphere, so temperatures can swing dramatically—from about 127°C (260°F) in the sunlight to −173°C (−280°F) in darkness. The Moon’s gravitational pull influences Earth’s tides, stabilizes its axial tilt, and plays a role in the length of our days. Humans have been fascinated with the Moon for millennia, inspiring myths, calendars, and scientific exploration. The first human landing occurred on July 20, 1969, when NASA’s Apollo 11 mission brought astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the lunar surface, a milestone that showcased human ingenuity and sparked global interest in space exploration. Today, the Moon continues to be a focus for scientific research and potential future colonization, with nations and private companies planning missions to study its resources, including water ice in permanently shadowed craters, which could support life and fuel future space travel. Its phases, from new moon to full moon, have guided agriculture, navigation, and cultural rituals throughout history, making it a constant companion and symbol in human life.