The moon is Earth's only natural satellite and is about 238,855 miles away from our planet. It has a diameter of about 2,159 miles, making it the fifth largest moon in the solar system. The moon's surface is covered with craters, mountains, and flat plains called maria, which were formed by ancient volcanic activity. The moon goes through different phases, including new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter, as it orbits Earth. This cycle takes about 29.5 days to complete. The moon's gravitational pull affects Earth's tides, playing a crucial role in the planet's ecosystem and climate.