Luna, the Moon, has recently garnered attention due to various space exploration missions and advancements in lunar research. Notably, NASA's Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon by the mid-2020s, with plans for sustainable exploration and potential lunar bases. Additionally, private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are developing technologies for lunar landings and resource utilization, further igniting public interest in lunar exploration.
Luna is Earth's only natural satellite, formed approximately 4.5 billion years ago. It is the fifth-largest moon in the Solar System and has a diameter of about 3,474 kilometers. The Moon's gravitational influence affects Earth's tides and stabilizes its axial tilt, contributing to a stable climate. Its surface features include maria, highlands, and craters, which have been extensively studied through both robotic missions and human landings, notably the Apollo program from 1969 to 1972. The Moon continues to be a focal point for scientific research and future space endeavors.