Just how far is the Moon from Earth?
The vast expanse of space between Earth and Moon has captivated humanity for centuries. At their closest, the two celestial bodies are separated by a mere 225,623 miles, but at their farthest, that distance stretches to a whopping 252,088 miles. To put this in perspective, you could fit every planet in our solar system end-to-end between the Earth and Moon, with room to spare!
Credit NASA/JPL-Caltech
The Moon’s orbit is a constant source of fascination, and for good reason. The Apollo Missions placed mirrors on the lunar surface that allow for incredibly precise laser measurements of the distance from Earth. We now know that the Moon moves away from our planet at a rate of about 1.5 inches per year.
Despite the vast distance between Earth and Moon, there are times when the two bodies are relatively close. When the Moon is at its closest point to Earth, known as Perigree, it is only 225,623 miles away. This is a time when you could fit ~28 Earths between the one you were born on and the Moon!
One of the most awe-inspiring celestial events occurs when a full moon coincides with the Moon’s approach to Perigree. This event, known as a SuperMoon, happens roughly once every 414 days and makes the Moon appear larger than normal. The light we see on the Moon takes 8.2 minutes to travel from the Sun to the lunar surface, and an additional 1.29 seconds to reach our planet.
Credit NASA/JPL-Caltech
In 1959, the Soviet Union’s Luna 1 spacecraft achieved the fastest trip to the Moon, taking just 34 hours to flyby the lunar surface. However, it was not without its complications, as an error in firing its thrusters sent it off course into a heliocentric orbit. Modern space probes like the ESA’s SMART-1 take a more fuel-efficient approach, using low-thrust engines and gravitational assists to make the journey to the Moon. These missions can take years to complete, but the results are often worth the wait.
In conclusion, the vast expanse of space between Earth and Moon holds countless secrets and mysteries, waiting to be uncovered by intrepid explorers. The distance may be great, but with the right technology and ingenuity, humanity can achieve the impossible and reach for the stars.
Summary
- There are at times 252,088 miles between the Earth and Moon at the farthest points and 225,623 miles at their closest.
- 250,000 miles is enough to fit all the other planets end to end between the Earth and Moon.
- 238,855 miles is enough to fit 30 Earths between the one you were born on and the Moon.
- Apollo Missions placed mirrors on the Moon the allow laser measurements of the distance from Earth.
- The Moon moves away from Earth at about 1.5 inches per year.
- The moon at its closest distance is called Perigree.
- When the moon is within 10% of the distance to Perigree and there is a full moon, we call that full moon a SuperMoon.
- The Moon approaches Perigree about once every 414 Days.
- The fastest trip to the Moon took 34 hours and was achieved by the first spacecraft to flyby the moon - USSR’s Luna 1 in 1959. Luna 1 was intended to crash into the surface of the Moon but a error in firing its thrusters sent it off course into Helio Centric orbit.
- Modern space probes like the ESA’s SMART-1 use fuel efficient low thrust engines and gravitational assists and sometimes years to arrive at the Moon.
- The light we see on the Moon took 8.2 minutes to travel from the Sun to the moon and an additional 1.29 seconds to reach Earth.
Sources
Author: Luna Starlight