How far away is the moon?

The moon, Earth's natural satellite, is approximately 238,855 miles away from Earth on average. However, this distance is not constant because the moon's orbit is elliptical, meaning that its distance from Earth varies as it moves through its orbit.

At its closest point, called perigee, the moon can be as close as about 225,623 miles from Earth. At its furthest point, called apogee, the moon can be as far as about 251,000 miles away from Earth.

Knowing the distance to the moon has been important for space exploration and for understanding the effects of the moon on Earth, such as its influence on tides and its role in eclipses.

The Moon is an average of 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers) away from Earth. This distance varies because the Moon travels around Earth in an elliptical orbit. At perigee, the point at which the Moon is closest to Earth, the distance is approximately 225,623 miles (363,104 kilometers). At apogee, the point at which the Moon is farthest from Earth, the distance is approximately 252,088 miles (405,696 kilometers).

The Moon's distance from Earth affects the strength of ocean tides and the appearance of solar eclipses in our skies.