The Artemis II crew observed colorful hues on the moon's surface during the lunar flyby. Here's what scientist hope to learn. (AP Photo). The moon's color can shift based on the rocks on its surface and the Earth's atmosphere. Depending on where the moon is in the sky and the air around us, it can look red, orange, yellow, or even blue. Learning about what changes the moon's color helps us appreciate the complex dance of light, rocks, and air around us.
The Moon has a brownish-gray color due to its lunar regolith and minerals such as magnesium and iron. The atmosphere influences the perception of lunar color, especially during its phase near the horizon. Names like Blue Moon and Red Moon do not reflect an actual color change, but rather specific phenomena. The Moon lacks an atmosphere, leading to extreme temperatures and more than 1.600 known.. Your interactive map for observing the Moon each day of the year, featuring detailed views from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, plus special Moon events.