The average distance from Earth to the Moon is 384,400 kilometers (238,855 miles). It is approximately 30 times as large as the Earth. The Moon’s orbit around Earth is elliptical, so the distance between the two bodies varies slightly.
The Moon’s closest approach to Earth is called the perigee. At perigee the Moon is approximately 363,104 kilometers from Earth (225623 miles). The Moon’s farthest point from Earth is called the apogee. At apogee the Moon is 405,696 kilometers away (252.088 miles).
Moon: Important information you should know
Eclipses and Tides: The effect on the tides
The Moon’s distance from Earth has a significant impact on the strength of ocean tides. The Moon’s gravitational pull is strongest when it is close to Earth. This causes higher tides. The tides are lower when the Moon is the furthest away from Earth.
The Moon’s distance from Earth also affects the appearance of solar eclipses. When the Moon is in perigee it appears larger and can block the Sun during solar eclipses. When the Moon…
