The moon
Latest about The moon
![graphic showing four moon phases side by side, the first on the left is the new moon on July 5, then the first quarter moon on July 13, then the full moon July 21 and the third quarter moon on July 27.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qHBrHj5VQAqPqciq3ZGvsW-320-80.jpg)
What is the moon phase today? Lunar phases 2024
By Tariq Malik last updated
Reference See what moon phase it is tonight and find out when you can see the rest of the moon phases for 2024.
![1967: A model of Lunik 1 on display in Moscow. It was the first spacecraft used by the Russians to strike the moon. It was launched on the 2nd January 1959 but missed the moon by 6000 kilometres, it did however become the first artificial satellite to achieve solar orbit.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FtVyTMgoq7aPmEZyESPJg8-320-80.jpg)
How the CIA 'kidnapped' a Soviet moon probe during the space race
By Leonard David published
To gain insight on how the Soviet Union built moon-bound gear, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) carried out a covert spy job on a Soviet exhibit in 1959.
![A chalkboard background shows a drawing of a moon or round space body with a smattering of large craters. In the to top right, a space.com 25 year anniversary logo.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SzF92UauvQHP3hEF9LsUCQ-320-80.jpg)
Whip up a moon-like crater
By Elizabeth Fernandez published
Want to learn more about the moon and how craters are formed? This neat NASA experiment will take your learning to new heights.
![A black shallow hole in a grayish surface.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/k9bB7zzzDJHdTZdwMg8Baa-320-80.png)
Newly discovered cave on the moon could house future lunar astronauts
By Stefanie Waldek published
The lava tube is likely one of many on the lunar surface.
![a large crater on the grey, cratered surface of the moon](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SqFakx7o6MMGMi85LUyVQR-320-80.jpg)
SpaceX Starship landings could contaminate water ice on the moon
By Leonard David published
Could human landing systems touching down on the moon deliver water from their rocket exhaust plumes? New research says it's a possibility.
![a space station hangs in black space, its many modules centrally connected. Solar panels stem from a few.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5sAC4osd2DW4UYFSpeWLAL-320-80.jpg)
NASA's vision of a moon-orbiting space station comes to life in new 3D video
By Rahul Rao published
NASA plans to build a moon-orbiting space station in the future, and just released a comprehensive video of its vision.
![A dark grey high altitude view of the lunar surface, with tiny craters speckled throughout, and one large crater on the far right.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yMiJsyRHTs9kwTAV5ao6Tj-320-80.jpg)
Under the moon's surface, magnetized lava may create 'lunar swirls'
By Samantha Mathewson published
Mysterious swirling patterns seen on the moon's surface may be linked to underground magma activity, a new study suggests.
![How many people have walked on the moon? Astronaut Buzz Aldrin walking on the moon surrounded by scientific equipment during the Apollo 11 mission](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6VPFRwwgVp7WWJiTnjMY9J-320-80.jpg)
How many people have walked on the moon?
By Mark Smith last updated
Reference Only a handful of people have ever set foot on the moon. We take a look at this super exclusive club, who they were, and what enabled them to make that incredible journey.
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