The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite. It's a celestial body that orbits our planet and is in synchronous rotation, meaning the same side always faces Earth.

Key Facts About the Moon:

• Diameter: About 2,159 miles (3,475 kilometers), about one-fourth the diameter of Earth.
• Distance from Earth: Averages about 238,900 miles (384,400 kilometers).
• Orbit: Elliptical, with an average orbital period of about 27.3 days (sidereal month).
• Surface: Characterized by craters, mountains, and flat plains called maria (dark, basaltic plains).
• Atmosphere: Virtually none, resulting in extreme temperature variations.

The Moon plays a significant role in Earth's environment, primarily influencing tides and stabilizing Earth's axial tilt.