The moon is a natural satellite of the earth, consisting of rock, dust, and ice. It orbits the earth at an average distance of 384,400 kilometers (238,900 miles), and has an average diameter of 3,476 kilometers (2,159 miles).
The moon has been a part of human history since the beginning of time. The first recorded use of the moon was by the Babylonians in about 1000 BC. They used it to predict the changing seasons and the movements of the planets. The Egyptians also used the moon to predict the flooding of the Nile River. The Greeks and Romans used the moon to keep track of time. The moon was also used in navigation and in the measurement of distance.
