Moonquakes: The Moon experiences "moonquakes" caused by tidal stresses from Earth's gravitational pull, though they are much weaker than earthquakes.
No Atmosphere: The Moon lacks a significant atmosphere, which means there is no weather or wind, and the surface temperature can vary drastically from extremely hot to extremely cold.
Lunar Dust: The Moon's surface is covered with a fine, powdery dust called regolith, which is highly abrasive and clings to everything due to its electrostatic charge.
Asynchronous Rotation: The Moon is tidally locked with Earth, meaning the same side always faces our planet. This synchronous rotation is why we only ever see one hemisphere of the Moon.
Lunar Maria: The dark, basaltic plains on the Moon's surface, known as "maria," were formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. These smooth areas contrast with the heavily cratered highlands.
Water Ice: There is evidence of water ice in permanently shadowed craters at the lunar poles, which could be a crucial resource for future lunar missions and colonization.
Formation Theory: The leading theory for the Moon's formation is the giant-impact hypothesis, which suggests the Moon was formed from the debris of a collision between a Mars-sized body and the early Earth.
Moon's Recession: The Moon is slowly moving away from Earth at a rate of about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) per year due to tidal interactions. This gradual distancing will eventually lengthen Earth's day.