Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera
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The Moon

Does the Moon have an atmosphere?

Unlike the Earth, the Moon does not have an atmosphere. Temperatures on the Moon’s surface fluctuate dramatically from blistering heat during the day (100° C) to frigid cold during the night (-173° C). With no atmosphere, there is also no wind. Footprints of the Apollo astronauts and those of future explorers may last for thousands of years!


Image credit: NASA



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