Earth's Moon: Formation, Composition and Orbit

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Latest about moon phases

This NASA sky map shows the locations of the moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Venus and Mars after sunset on Dec. 25, 2022.

See the moon and 4 planets align as Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury and Venus offer a rare night sky treat this week!

By Tariq Malik published

The Christmas moon lines up with four bright planets in a celestial holiday treat this week.

Stargazing
An illustration of the completely dark new moon against a backdrop of the moon during its lunar cycle.

Watch the final new moon of 2022 rise on Friday (Dec. 23)

By Robert Lea published

The final new moon of 2022 is upon us, signaling the beginning of the lunar cycle that will lead into 2023.

Stargazing
The last quarter moon as seen over the Moroccan capital Rabat on Aug. 6, 2012, shows the lunar face in stunning detail with lunar craters clearly visible.

See the final last quarter moon of 2022 rise tonight (Dec. 16)

By Robert Lea published

The moon will be exactly half illuminated during 2022's final last quarter moon on Friday (Dec. 16)

Stargazing
Graphic from Starry Night software showing the half illuminated moon surface in the night sky.

See the half-lit last quarter moon tonight (Nov. 16)

By Robert Lea published

The half-illuminated moon will be visible in the night sky on Wednesday as it continues to darken before the new moon on Nov. 23.

Stargazing
The Flower Moon lunar eclipse over NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans on May 15, 2022.

How to watch the Blood Moon lunar eclipse for free online, the last until 2025

By Tariq Malik last updated

You can see a Blood Moon total lunar eclipse on Nov. 8, the last until 2025. Here's how to watch it online for free.

Eclipses
This NASA graphic shows the stages of the total lunar eclipse of Nov. 8, 2022 in Eastern time.

What time is the Blood Moon total lunar eclipse on Nov. 8?

By Tariq Malik last updated

The last total lunar eclipse until 2025 will turn the moon a blood-red hue on Tuesday, Nov. 8, but exactly when you should look up depends on where you are.

Eclipses
blood red moon

Amazing photos of the last Blood Moon lunar eclipse of 2022 (gallery)

By Tariq Malik published

The moon passed through Earth's shadow in the final total lunar eclipse of 2022 on Nov. 8, 2022. See spectacular photos here!

Eclipses
Blood red colored moon

See the eclipsed setting moon and rising sun simultaneously during a rare 'selenelion' on Nov. 8

By Joe Rao last updated

See the sun rise while a total lunar eclipse sets on Tuesday (Nov. 8), in a phenomenon known as a 'selenelion'.

Eclipses
curve of moon seen above the planet earth

The moon's crown peeks above Earth a day before total lunar eclipse (satellite photo)

By Elizabeth Howell last updated

A wisp of light reflecting off the moon got caught in Earth's atmosphere, making our neighbor look like a white crown in orbit.

Stargazing
A time lapse of a total lunar eclipse showing the moon at various phases of an eclipse.

Total lunar eclipse: How to prepare for next month's eclipse of the moon

By Joe Rao last updated

You can get a very good idea about where the moon will be in the sky during the eclipse by looking for it on Tuesday morning, Oct. 11.

Eclipses
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