Moon: Earth's Natural Satellite - Facts, Features & Significance

The moon is Earth's only natural satellite. It is approximately 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers) away from Earth and has a diameter of about 2,159 miles (3,474 kilometers). It orbits around the Earth, taking about 27.3 days to complete one rotation. The moon's surface is covered in impact craters, mountains, valleys, and plains. It has no atmosphere or water, and its gravity is about one-sixth of Earth's gravity. The moon plays a significant role in Earth's tides and has been a subject of fascination and exploration for centuries.