The Moon, Earth's only natural satellite, is a fascinating subject of study due to its unique characteristics and significance in our solar system. Here are some key highlights about the Moon:

1. Physical Characteristics: The Moon is a rocky body with a mean distance from Earth of about 384,000 km (238,600 miles). It has a radius of approximately 1,738 km (1,080 miles). The Moon's surface is marked by impact craters, mountains, and flat plains known as maria​(

   
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2. Formation: The most widely accepted theory suggests that the Moon formed from debris resulting from a colossal impact between Earth and a Mars-sized body named Theia. This process likely occurred over a relatively short timescale​(

   
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3. Exploration: The Moon has been a significant focus for space exploration. NASA's Apollo missions successfully landed astronauts on the lunar surface between 1969 and