Why do we always see the same face of the Moon?

The Moon rotates exactly once each time it orbits our planet. Learn how we got here: Tidal Locking 101 ›

slide 2 - Part of a spacecraft, as seen from an onboard camera. In the distance, Moon and Earth are visible against a dark sky.

To the Moon and Back

Artemis I's Orion spacecraft returned to Earth on December 11, 2022. Learn all about this mission and how it paves the way for humanity’s return to the lunar surface. More ›

slide 3 - Illustration with question marks and a thinking emoji over the moon surface

Top Moon Questions

What do you wonder about Earth’s Moon? Find the answers to some of your most frequently asked questions. More ›

Explore the Moon

Earth and the Moon are locked in an orbital dance, and gravity is the choreographer. Here's how it works.

Tidal Locking

Between four and seven times a year, Earth, Moon and Sun line up just right to create the cosmic-scale shadow show known as an eclipse.

Composite of lunar eclipse phases over night sky

Eclipses

Like Earth, the Moon has a day side and a night side, which change as the Moon rotates.

Moon Phases

What you need to know about humanity’s search for water on the Moon.

Photo of a Moon's crater with superimposed illustration of a blue-green pool of water.

Discovery of Water on the Moon

Info and tips for observing the Moon.

Silhouette of two people looking at the Moon in the sunset sky.

Viewing Guide

Where have we landed on the Moon? Explore notable lunar locations with this interactive globe.

Go Sightseeing on the Moon

Moon Phase and Libration 2023

This visualization shows the Moon's phase at hourly intervals throughout 2023, as viewed from the Northern hemisphere. Learn more ›

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#ObserveTheMoon

Connect With Us

Stay in touch with our global observing community, and keep up with NASA lunar science, all year long.

100 Top Features to Observe on the Moon

Screen shot of a video showing a winding valley on the Moon's surface.

Explore some of the Moon's most intriguing features through imagery captured from Earth and space.

News from NASA

Splashdown! NASA's Orion Returns to Earth After Historic Moon Mission

After traveling 1.4 million miles through space and orbiting the Moon, the Orion spacecraft is home.
Artemis I's Orion Performs Lunar Flyby

The Orion spacecraft came within 80 miles of the lunar surface before moving into a distant retrograde orbit around the Moon.
CAPSTONE Will Soon Meet the Crux of Its Deep Space Route to the Moon

This microwave oven-sized satellite, weighing just 55 pounds, will be the first CubeSat to fly to and operate at the Moon.