Nasa_evolution_off_the_moon.

NASA's understanding of the moon's evolution has evolved over time. Initially thought to be a solid, unchanging body, modern observations reveal a more dynamic history. The moon likely formed around 4.5 billion years ago from debris created by a collision between Earth and a Mars-sized object.

Over millions of years, intense volcanic activity shaped its surface, creating vast plains called maria. The moon's surface was also heavily bombarded by asteroids, leaving behind craters of various sizes. Gradually, volcanic activity ceased, and the moon's interior cooled, leading to the quiet, cratered landscape we see today.

NASA missions like Apollo and more recent spacecraft have helped scientists learn about the moon's composition, structure, and history. Ongoing research continues to refine our understanding of its evolution and its potential role in the broader understanding of the solar system's history.