NASA | EVOLUTION OF THE MOON

The Moon's evolution involves several key stages. It likely formed about 4.5 billion years ago from debris generated by a collision between Earth and a Mars-sized body. Initially, the Moon was much closer to Earth and had a molten surface. Over time, its interior cooled, forming a solid crust.Volcanic activity was prevalent during its early history, creating the vast plains known as lunar maria. The Moon also experienced a period of heavy bombardment by asteroids and comets, creating impact craters seen today.About 3 billion years ago, volcanic activity subsided, leading to the Moon's relatively quiet phase. The surface continued to be shaped by occasional impacts, along with factors like solar wind and micrometeoroid impacts.Fast forward to the present, the Moon is geologically inactive, with no active volcanism or tectonic activity. Its surface is characterized by maria, impact craters, mountains, and valleys. The Moon's rotation has also gradually slowed due to tidal forces from Earth, resulting in synchronous rotation where the same side always faces our planet.In recent years, there's been interest in returning to the Moon, with plans for lunar exploration and potential human habitation.