What would happen if we didn't have the moon?
- How was the moon formed?
- Tides would be smaller
- The tides would be controlled by the sun
- The Earth’s axis would change
- Pitch black nights
- Our planet would spin faster
- There would be no eclipses
- Creatures of the night
- The oceans' levels would change
- Moon shield
- Aquatic animals' reproduction
- There would be no space race
- Moon cycles and menstruation
- What if the moon exploded?

The moon is just one of those things that we take for granted. It has always been there and it will likely be there for millions of years to come. We're so used to looking up to the night sky and seeing Earth's satellite, that it's difficult to imagine our planet without it. But what would our world be like if there was no moon? Click through to find out.
How was the moon formed?

According to NASA, the moon was likely formed after a body the size of Mars collided with our planet. But what would the world be like if that had never happened?
Tides would be smaller

Tides would be significantly smaller in amplitude without the gravitational force of the moon.
The tides would be controlled by the sun

Without the moon's gravitational pull, the tides would follow the sun instead.

This would mean that high and low tides would be at the same time every day.
The Earth’s axis would change

The moon keeps our planet somewhat stable. Without it, the Earth would wobble with the sun's gravitational pull.
Pitch black nights

Without the moon, the sky would be much darker at night. There would be no more beautiful moonlight.
Our planet would spin faster

Without the moon, Earth would spin faster, meaning that days would be shorter.
There would be no eclipses

Solar and lunar eclipses would cease to exist, as there wouldn't be a mass between the Earth and the Sun.
Creatures of the night

Without moonlight, many nocturnal animals would struggle to navigate at night.
The oceans' levels would change

Without the gravitational force of the moon, water levels would change across the globe.
Moon shield

The moon is constantly being bombarded by asteroids, so it's the perfect place to study these celestial bodies and the impact their collision can have.
Aquatic animals' reproduction

Some aquatic animals rely on moon cycles for reproduction purposes. The absence of the moon would greatly impact these animals.
There would be no space race

The race to the moon between the United States and the Soviet Union wouldn't have happened.
Moon cycles and menstruation

The fact that the lunar and menstrual cycles are about the same length is just coincidence.
What if the moon exploded?

If the moon was suddenly hit by a rogue planet—or worse—if we blew it up, our planet would suffer serious consequences.