The moon, our only natural satellite, is a fascinating celestial object. It orbits the Earth at an average distance of 384,400 km. Its diameter is approximately 3,474 km, a quarter of that of Earth. The moon's surface is riddled with craters, scars left by meteorite impacts, as well as lunar seas, vast basalt plains formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. The moon has no significant atmosphere, meaning there is no weather or protection from cosmic rays and meteorites.