Earth's Moon: Formation, Composition and Orbit

Astronaut Paolo Nespoli took this image of the moon on March 20, 2011, and wrote, "#Supermoon was spectacular from here!"
Astronaut Paolo Nespoli took this image of the moon aboard the International Space Station on March 20, 2011, and wrote, "#Supermoon was spectacular from here!" (Image credit: ESA/NASA)

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 

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.

Latest about Moon Phases

What is the moon phase today? Lunar phases 2025

By Tariq Malik, Daisy Dobrijevic last updated

Reference See what moon phase it is tonight and find out when you can see the rest of the moon phases for 2025.

Reference
The half-illuminated last quarter moon against a background of the moon during other phases.

Moonrise moments: A skywatching quiz

By Kenna Hughes-Castleberry published

From phases to phenomena, this moon-themed skywatching quiz will test your lunar knowledge.

The moon
a large supermoon is partially hidden by a rocky mountain, the moon appears large and slightly orange.

Supermoon: what is it and when is the next one?

By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated

Reference Learn what makes a supermoon unique, how it impacts the moon's brightness, and when you can catch the next one in our ultimate supermoon guide.

Reference
A castle ruin is in the foreground of the image with a subtle pink hued sky and a bright full moon.

Full moon calendar 2025: When to see the next full moon

By Tariq Malik last updated

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

Reference
a full moon glows orange at dusk over a castle on a hill

October full moon 2025 guide: The Hunter's Moon follows close Saturn approach

By Jesse Emspak last updated

The full moon of October, called the Hunter's Moon, will grace our skies on Oct. 17 — and it will be a "supermoon" as well.

Stargazing
new moon illustration shows a very dimly lit moon against a black background.

New moon calendar 2025: When is the next new moon?

By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated

Reference Discover what a new moon is and when the next new moon will occur with our new moon 2025 guide.

Reference
You can't see a black moon but this image shows a very slim crescent of a slightly illuminated moon visible in the days following a black moon.

Black Moon: What is it and why does it occur?

By Joe Rao last updated

Reference A Black Moon is a rare occurrence. Here we explore what causes them and when the next one will happen.

Reference
Phases of a lunar eclipse showing the moon turn progressively red.

Lunar eclipse calendar 2026: When and where to see the next lunar eclipse

By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated

Reference There are two lunar eclipses in 2025. Our guide tells you how you can see them and when the next lunar eclipse will occur.

Reference

September full moon 2025: The full moon gets eclipsed

By Jesse Emspak last updated

The eclipse will see the moon turn a deep shade of red.

Stargazing

What is a blood moon?

By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated

Reference A blood moon, or total lunar eclipse, turns the moon red — here's what causes it and when to see the next one

Reference
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Archives