Moon

Scientists say a giant impact knocked off the raw ingredients for the moon off the primitive molten Earth and into orbit.

Related Topics: Earth, Apollo Program, Moon Phases 

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moon phases december 2023

What is the moon phase today? Lunar phases 2023

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 2023.

Artist's illustration of Astrobotic's Peregrine lander on the surface of the moon.

The Peregrine Lunar Lander is set to launch on Dec 24. Here's what it'll bring to the moon

By Monisha Ravisetti published

There will be 20 total payloads being brought to the moon, five of which are NASA's.

a circular metal container with a clear glass center, through which grey dirt can be seen

China's Chang'e 5 moon samples, beyond NASA's reach for years, are finally available to US scientists

By Leonard David published

For the first time, NASA-funded researchers can apply for access to lunar samples collected by China's Chang'e-5 mission.

NASA's Artemis 2 moon mission crew teaser with four astronauts in spacesuits.

NASA's Artemis 2 moon mission: Live updates

By Tariq Malik, Elizabeth Howell published

NASA's Artemis 2 mission is returning astronauts to the moon for the first time since 1972. See live mission updates here.

NASA astronaut Christina Koch, a mission specialist for the Artemis 2 moon mission, signs her name to the Orion spacecraft stage adapter for NASA's Space Launch System rocket on Nov. 27, 2023.

Artemis 2 moon astronauts autograph their own rocket 1 year before launch

By Elizabeth Howell published

Just one year before flying around the moon, the Artemis 2 astronauts autographed a part of the massive lunar rocket that will send them aloft in late 2024.

an airplane flies in front of the full moon in a dark sky

See November's Full Beaver Moon light up the sky around the world (photos)

By Robert Lea published

November's Beaver Moon, the second to last full moon of 2023, was captured by photographers across the globe on Monday (Nov. 27), lighting up the internet with stunning images.

a man and a woman smile. her arm is raised in the air.

Canada soars into space with new moon and ISS astronaut missions

By Elizabeth Howell published

'My mind just might explode.'

Full moon above orange and pink hued storm clouds

Full moon calendar 2023: When to see the next full moon

By Kimberly Hickok last updated

Reference The full moon happens about once a month. Find out when.

The waxing gibbous moon is pictured from the International Space Station as it orbited 263 miles above the Pacific Ocean in January 2021.

Scientists suspect there’s ice hiding on the Moon, and a host of missions from the US and beyond are searching for it

By Paul Hayne published

Building a space station on the Moon might seem like something out of a science fiction movie, but each new lunar mission is bringing that idea closer to reality.

a large full moon rises over a mountain range

The Full Beaver Moon shines tonight, the next-to-last full moon of 2023

By Robert Lea published

The second to last full moon of 2023 will shine on Monday, Nov. 27, in the form of November's Beaver Moon, also known as the Frost Moon, and a host of other chilly monikers.

the moon can be seen next to a dense cluster of stars

See the moon meet up with the Seven Sisters of the Pleiades tonight

By Robert Lea published

The moon will meet up with the Seven Sisters on Sunday, Nov. 26, during a close approach to this fascinating open star cluster, also known as the Pleiades.

a stylized graphic of an astronaut floating in front of a purple background with stars. two logos are represented on the side. on the left is the canadian space agency logo. on the right is an astronaut with a plus sign and a saturn picture

Medical emergencies will happen in deep space. Here's how Canada is getting ready

By Elizabeth Howell published

As the Canadian government readies for liftoff of human moon missions, it asked five teams Tuesday (Nov. 21) to show off their tech ideas for deep-space medicine.

An astronaut sits alone on a moon rock, looking out into space where the Earth is a small object just over the horizon.

Cosmic radiation during spaceflight could increase risk of erectile dysfunction in astronauts

By Robert Lea published

As humanity prepares for longer stays in space, scientists have found that exposure to space environments could increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.

november full moon shining brightly against a black background.

November full moon 2023: Full Beaver Moon is joined by Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn

By Jesse Emspak last updated

November's full "Beaver Moon" will occur on Nov. 27 and will be joined by several bright planets in the evening and early morning sky.

a light skyline with buildings and trees shows the full moon near jupiter

See the nearly full moon and Jupiter shine bright together tonight

By Robert Lea published

The 93% full waxing gibbous moon and a bright Jupiter will make a close approach in the night sky tonight.

An artist's illustration of a moon rover with gold wrapping and a set of 6 wheels on the lunar surface.

'Mateship' or 'Kakirra'? Australia turns to public to name its 1st moon rover

By Samantha Mathewson published

The final four names are "Coolamon," "Kakirra," "Mateship" and "Roo-ver." The public can vote for their favorite through Dec. 1.

close-up view of the moon against the blackness of space

The moon, Saturn and Jupiter provide a Thanksgiving skywatching feast

By Joe Rao published

A waxing gibbous moon, Saturn and Jupiter make inviting targets for skywatchers this Thanksgiving.

An image of the Apollo 17 moon rock troctolite 76535.

Scientists find hydrogen in Apollo moon rocks, suggesting astronauts can harvest lunar water

By Sharmila Kuthunur published

A fresh analysis of moon rocks brought home during the Apollo missions suggests the presence of hydrogen, implying future astronauts could access water available right in lunar regolith.

Illustration of a small, four-wheeled silver rover against a foggy, gray-black background.

Japan's ispace unveils micro rover for its 2nd moon mission

By Andrew Jones published

Tokyo-based spaceflight company ispace just unveiled a mini rover that will fly on its next moon landing mission next year.

a lander on the lunar surface

After Chandrayaan-3 success, India gearing up for moon sample-return mission

By Sharmila Kuthunur published

India plans to bring moon samples back to Earth later in the 2020s with its Chandrayaan-4 mission.