Moon Quiz: 15 Questions About Our Satellite
The Moon has fascinated humanity since time immemorial. Lunar phases, eclipses, Apollo missions… What do you really know about our natural satellite?
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Frequently asked questions: The Moon
Here is a preview of what awaits you in this Moon quiz: 15 multiple choice questions, each with a detailed explanation so you can learn while you play. Here are a few example questions (and their answers, so no peeking before you play!).
What is the average distance between the Earth and the Moon?
Answer: 384,400 km. The average Earth-Moon distance is 384,400 km. This distance varies between 356,500 km (perigee) and 406,700 km (apogee) because of the Moon's elliptical orbit.
What are the lunar "seas"?
Answer: Vast plains of solidified basaltic lava. The lunar seas (maria) are vast plains formed by ancient basaltic lava flows that solidified around 3 to 3.5 billion years ago. Their dark colour sets them apart from the lighter highlands.
Which Apollo 11 astronaut stayed in lunar orbit while his crewmates walked on the Moon?
Answer: Michael Collins. Michael Collins stayed alone in the Columbia command module in orbit around the Moon while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin explored the surface. He is often nicknamed "the loneliest man in history" because he lost all radio contact each time he passed behind the Moon.
How many Apollo missions successfully landed astronauts on the Moon?
Answer: 6. Six Apollo missions successfully landed astronauts on the Moon: Apollo 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17, between 1969 and 1972. Apollo 13 had to turn back after an explosion on board and never landed.
Which space programme plans to build a station in lunar orbit called "Gateway"?
Answer: The Artemis programme. NASA's Artemis programme plans to build the Gateway station in lunar orbit. This station will serve as a relay for missions to the surface of the Moon and, eventually, to Mars. The programme also aims to return astronauts to the Moon, including the first woman.
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