Science
Moon Quiz
Tides, phases, and moonwalkers — everything you think you know about the Moon (and don't).
Tides, phases, and moonwalkers — everything you think you know about the Moon (and don't).
The Moon orbits Earth at an average distance of 238,900 miles and has fascinated humanity since the dawn of civilization. This quiz draws from a pool of 50 questions covering lunar phases, tidal forces, the Apollo missions, and the science behind our closest celestial neighbor — with each attempt randomized so no two rounds are the same.
Each round presents 10 multiple-choice questions. Pick your answer, get instant feedback with a detailed explanation, and see your final score at the end. No signup or timer — just you and the Moon.
Questions span everything from the giant impact hypothesis that explains the Moon's formation to the tidal locking that keeps one hemisphere permanently hidden from Earth. You'll explore how the Apollo astronauts brought back 842 pounds of Moon rocks, why footprints on the lunar surface last millions of years, and what the Artemis program plans for humanity's return to the Moon.
The Moon orbits Earth at an average distance of approximately 238,900 miles (384,400 kilometers). This distance varies slightly because the Moon's orbit is elliptical — ranging from about 225,600 miles at perigee (closest) to 252,100 miles at apogee (farthest).
We only see one side of the Moon because of tidal locking — the Moon rotates on its axis in exactly the same amount of time it takes to orbit Earth (about 27.3 days). This synchronization was caused by Earth's gravitational pull gradually slowing the Moon's rotation over billions of years until the two periods matched.
Twelve people have walked on the Moon, all of them American astronauts who traveled there during NASA's Apollo program between 1969 and 1972. Neil Armstrong was the first to set foot on the lunar surface during Apollo 11, and Eugene Cernan was the last during Apollo 17.
Last updated: March 2026