The Moon is the only natural satellite of Earth and has been at the center of human attention for thousands of years. It has inspired both scientists and poets alike. From ancient mythologies to modern space exploration, the Moon continues to guard its mysteries.

Here are 10 of the most fascinating facts about the Moon.

1. How Was the Moon Formed?

Scientists estimate that the Moon is about 4.5 billion years old. However, the exact details of how it formed are still not fully understood.

The most widely accepted explanation is the “Giant Impact” hypothesis. According to this theory, in the early stages of the Solar System’s formation, Earth collided with a Mars-sized celestial body. The debris from this massive impact was ejected into space and eventually came together to form the Moon.

2. Moon Soil Has Been Brought to Earth

During crewed and uncrewed lunar missions, approximately 400 kilograms of lunar soil (regolith) were brought back to Earth.

These samples are displayed in various museums and scientific centers around the world, including the Museum of Cosmonautics in Moscow.

3. A Monument and a “Grave” on the Moon

On the surface of the Moon stands a small 10-centimeter metal figurine called “Fallen Astronaut.” It serves as a memorial to astronauts and cosmonauts who lost their lives in the exploration of space.

The ashes of the famous geologist Eugene Shoemaker were also sent to the Moon in accordance with his final wishes. A lunar crater was named Shoemaker in his honor. This makes the Moon the only celestial body to hold human ashes.

4. The Size of the Moon

The Moon’s diameter is about four times smaller than that of Earth, and its volume is approximately 49 times smaller than Earth’s.

Despite this, the Moon is one of the largest natural satellites in the Solar System. Only four moons are larger:

• Ganymede

• Titan

• Callisto

• Io

5. Helium-3 and the Energy of the Future

Lunar soil is rich in helium-3, a rare isotope considered a potential source of clean and powerful energy for the future.

Although helium-3 can be produced in laboratories on Earth, it is extremely expensive. Therefore, the Moon is being studied as a possible future energy resource.

6. Humans Who Have Walked on the Moon

A total of 12 American astronauts have walked on the Moon. The first was Neil Armstrong in 1969, followed shortly by Buzz Aldrin.

Years later, Aldrin became involved in a public incident with a person who claimed that the Moon landing had been faked. The confrontation received significant media attention.

7. We See Only One Side of the Moon

The Moon rotates synchronously with Earth, meaning it keeps the same side facing our planet at all times.

The far side of the Moon has been thoroughly explored by spacecraft, but humans have not yet set foot there.

8. There Is No Atmosphere on the Moon

The Moon has virtually no atmosphere. As a result:

• The sky appears completely black

• Shadows are extremely sharp

• Temperature differences are extreme

In direct sunlight, temperatures can reach up to +120°C (248°F), while in shadow they can drop to around –170°C (–274°F).

9. Why Is a Total Solar Eclipse Possible?

The Moon is located approximately 384,400 kilometers (238,855 miles) from Earth. Interestingly, the Moon and the Sun appear almost the same size in Earth’s sky.

This is why total solar eclipses occur — the Moon is able to completely cover the Sun.

10. Ancient Maps of the Moon

Humans have been observing the Moon for thousands of years and have attempted to depict its surface since ancient times.

It is believed that lunar representations discovered in Ireland and created by the Celts are about 5,000 years old. This demonstrates how deeply the Moon has been rooted in human culture.

Conclusion

The Moon is not just a satellite.

It is:

• A source of gravitational influence on Earth

• The cause of ocean tides

• Humanity’s first step into space

• An inspiration for mythology and poetry for millennia

We know a great deal about the Moon — yet there is still much more we do not know.

And perhaps that is exactly why the Moon continues to captivate humanity.