The moon
Latest about The moon
![graphic showing four moon phases side by side, the first on the left is the new moon on July 5, then the first quarter moon on July 13, then the full moon July 21 and the third quarter moon on July 27.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qHBrHj5VQAqPqciq3ZGvsW-320-80.jpg)
What is the moon phase today? Lunar phases 2024
By Tariq Malik last updated
Reference See what moon phase it is tonight and find out when you can see the rest of the moon phases for 2024.
![a silvery-white spacecraft on the surface of the moon.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LEb2kLUkdpZay9QTj8srWS-320-80.png)
China's tiny 'Golden Toad' rover used AI to take an epic photo on the moon's far side (video)
By Andrew Jones published
A new video shows how a tiny rover on China's ambitious Chang'e 6 mission used AI to snap an epic shot on the far side of the moon.
![A black and white image of the moon's surface. A large white pattern is seen in the middle-left and there are craters toward the right.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dvQnYZtASeGPNUdwftbYpg-320-80.png)
Where do the moon's weird swirls come from? Scientists are trying to find out
By Keith Cooper published
Scientists are getting closer to explaining where bizarre lunar patterns that seem to have the involvement of magnetic fields come from.
![illustration of astronauts exploring the moon, with earth in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JCuJGtzCK5pBkNQsNU9G8c-320-80.jpg)
Europe on the moon: ESA targeting 2031 for 1st 'Argonaut' lunar lander mission
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
The first robotic Argonaut moon landing mission is targeted for 2031, the European Space Agency noted in a document published last week.
![a rectangular-bodied rover with three visible ribbed wheels, shines two lights from the top of a short mast at the top front of its body. It's visible side is a solar panel. The lights illuminate the grey surface immediately in front of the rover. A black sky hangs above.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vp35TfvdFu6ucnCrv2XrMA-320-80.jpg)
'A dark day for lunar science:' Scientists shocked as NASA cancels VIPER moon rover
By Leonard David published
Lunar scientists are stunned by NASA's decision to cancel the ice-hunting VIPER rover and what it means for our understanding of the moon.
![1967: A model of Lunik 1 on display in Moscow. It was the first spacecraft used by the Russians to strike the moon. It was launched on the 2nd January 1959 but missed the moon by 6000 kilometres, it did however become the first artificial satellite to achieve solar orbit.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FtVyTMgoq7aPmEZyESPJg8-320-80.jpg)
How the CIA 'kidnapped' a Soviet moon probe during the space race
By Leonard David published
To gain insight on how the Soviet Union built moon-bound gear, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) carried out a covert spy job on a Soviet exhibit in 1959.
![A chalkboard background shows a drawing of a moon or round space body with a smattering of large craters. In the to top right, a space.com 25 year anniversary logo.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SzF92UauvQHP3hEF9LsUCQ-320-80.jpg)
Whip up a moon-like crater
By Elizabeth Fernandez published
Want to learn more about the moon and how craters are formed? This neat NASA experiment will take your learning to new heights.
![A black shallow hole in a grayish surface.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/k9bB7zzzDJHdTZdwMg8Baa-320-80.png)
Newly discovered cave on the moon could house future lunar astronauts
By Stefanie Waldek published
The lava tube is likely one of many on the lunar surface.
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