The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite and has been a source of fascination and inspiration for humans for centuries. It orbits our planet in a synchronous rotation, always showing the same face to Earth. The Moon's surface is covered in craters, impact basins, and lava plains, created by meteoroid impacts and volcanic activity. It has a very thin atmosphere and no liquid water, making it unable to support life as we know it. The Moon's phases, caused by its position relative to the Sun and Earth, are a prominent feature in many cultures and religious beliefs.