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Astronomy basics > Fast Facts: The Moon
| Age | About the same age as Earth: 4.5 billion years |
| Location | Solar system |
| Avg. distance from Earth | 384,400 km (238,900 miles) |
| Diameter | 3476 km (2160 miles) |
| Orbital period around Earth | 27 Earth days |
| Mass | 7.35 x 1022 kg |
| Distinguishing features | The Moon has no atmosphere or magnetic field. Most rocks on the surface of the Moon seem to be between 4.5 and 3 billion years old, older than those usually found on Earth. Thus the Moon provides evidence about the early history of our solar system. |
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The heavily cratered surface of Earth's moon
(image courtesy of NASA)
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Astronomy basics > Fast Facts: The Moon