The Moon

Either an image of light in the dark, or one that triggers a werewolf induced fear, the Moon has been in our skies for around 4.5 billion years. It is the Earth’s only permanent natural satellite and is thought to have formed from a giant impact between left over debris from Earth and a Mars sized body called Theia. The moon causes the Earth to have much larger tides and 24-hour days, without they Moon they would only be 6-8 hours.

Secrets of our Moon could be lost forever thanks to upcoming lunar missions

Pristine, scientifically interesting regions of the Moon should be given legal protection, experts argue.
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Earthshine tonight: How to see April's stunning Moon event

This April, the Moon is the gift that keeps on giving.
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The strangest animal behaviour to expect during April's solar eclipse

Steer clear of any giraffes or giant tortoises on 8 April. But do keep an eye on your pooch.
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5 very very strange objects aboard the US Moon probe landing today

The US is preparing for its first return to the Moon in 50 years. But there are some things you might not expect on the IM-1 mission.
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Moon illusion tonight: How to see the stunning 'lunar shadows'

Top tips for observing tricks of the light on the Moon throughout the end of February and March.
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Has the Moon entered a new epoch?

Here's how humans could have changed the lunar surface forever.
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How human space junk could force a ‘new epoch’ on the Moon

Humans have made serious impacts on the Moon – so has the Moon entered a new epoch? We spoke to a space archaeologist to find out.
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Christmas Full Moon halo: Spectacular lunar ring could be visible tonight

A halo around the Moon could indirectly forecast that rain is on the way.
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Full Beaver Moon tonight: How to see November’s lunar event

Here’s when and how to see the last full Moon before the winter solstice, the full Beaver Moon.
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Scientists discover alien planet debris buried deep under Earth’s crust

Long ago, an alien planet crashed into Earth – causing a collision so big the debris formed the Moon and left mysterious remnants lodged deep in the Earth’s mantle.
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Lunar eclipse 2023 tonight: Here's when to see the full Moon spectacle

And you won’t even have to stay up late to see it.
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Solar eclipse: 13 stunning photos of the blazing ‘ring of fire’

A spectacular annular eclipse won’t be visible in the US again until 2039.
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When is the next solar eclipse?

If you’re in the path of totality, they’re difficult to miss. Here are all the details for upcoming solar eclipses in the next decade.
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