Never Mind the Supermoon—Our Moon Is Always Super

The Moon's Orbit Is Not Perfectly Circular

The Moon's orbit around Earth is elliptical, not circular. This means that the Moon's distance from Earth varies throughout its orbit. When the Moon is at its closest point to Earth, it is about 226,000 miles away. When the Moon is at its farthest point from Earth, it is about 252,000 miles away.

The Moon's orbit also varies in its tilt. This means that the angle at which the Moon appears in the sky changes throughout its orbit. When the Moon is at its highest point in the sky, it is said to be at its highest declination. When the Moon is at its lowest point in the sky, it is said to be at its lowest declination.

The Moon's Rotation Affects Its Appearance

The Moon rotates on its own axis once every 27.3 days. This means that the same side of the Moon always faces Earth. However, because the Moon's orbit is not perfectly circular, we can see slightly different parts of the Moon's surface as it moves around Earth.

The Moon's rotation also affects its appearance. When the Moon is at its first quarter, we can see half of the Moon's illuminated side. When the Moon is at its full moon, we can see the entire illuminated side of the Moon. When the Moon is at its third quarter, we can see half of the Moon's illuminated side again.

The Moon's Surface Is Constantly Changing

The Moon's surface is constantly being bombarded by micrometeoroids and cosmic rays. This bombardment creates craters and other features on the Moon's surface.

The Moon's surface is also affected by the Sun's heat. The Sun's heat can cause the Moon's surface to expand and contract. This expansion and contraction can create cracks and other features on the Moon's surface.

The Moon's Interior Is Still a Mystery

The Moon's interior is still a mystery. Scientists are not sure what the Moon's interior is made of. Some scientists believe that the Moon's interior is made of rock and metal. Others believe that the Moon's interior is made of ice and water.

Scientists are also not sure how the Moon's interior is structured. Some scientists believe that the Moon's interior is layered. Others believe that the Moon's interior is uniform.