10 Astonishing Facts About the Moon That People Totally Got Wrong
There are plenty of conspiracy theories, recent discoveries, and just plain old misconceptions about the moon.
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At 3:17 p.m. ET on July 20, 1969, the Apollo 11 lander touched down on the lunar surface. For millennia, scientists, astronomers, religious thinkers, and philosophers have tossed out theories about the moon—some based more on science than others. But finally, humanity had landed on its surface.
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Here are ten facts about the moon that we once believed, some of which the Apollo program directly helped disprove.
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Matt is a history, science, and travel writer who is always searching for the mysterious and hidden. He's written for Smithsonian Magazine, Washingtonian, Atlas Obscura, and Arlington Magazine. He calls Washington D.C. home and probably tells way too many cat jokes.
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