You look up at night and see that glowing white marble. You call it "the moon." Simple, right? But if you’re asking what is another name for moon, you’re usually looking for something a bit more specific than just a synonym. Depending on who you ask—an astronomer, a historian, or a poet—the answer shifts.
The most common formal name is Luna. It’s Latin. That’s why we have words like "lunar" and "lunatic." In ancient Rome, Luna wasn’t just a rock; she was a goddess who drove a chariot across the sky. While we don't worship her much anymore, NASA and the European Space Agency still use the term in technical documentation to distinguish our specific moon from the hundreds of others orbiting Jupiter or Saturn.
Why Do We Just Call It "The Moon"?
It’s honestly kind of lazy. We were the only game in town for a long time. Until Galileo pointed his crude telescope at Jupiter in 1610 and saw four tiny dots, we didn’t know other moons existed. To us, it was just the moon. Capital M.
The Scientific Distinction: Selene and Natural Satellites
Scientists often use the term Natural Satellite. It’s the clinical, dry way of saying "big rock caught in a planet's gravity." But if you want to get fancy, you go Greek. Selene is the Greek counterpart to Luna.
Ever heard of selenology? Probably not, unless you’re a geology nerd. It’s the study of the Moon’s physical features. While "geology" literally means the study of Earth (Geo), selenology focuses on the basaltic plains and highland crust of our neighbor.
The Names You’ve Never Heard Of
Most people think there are maybe two or three names. Wrong. There are dozens, and they get weird.
Cynthia: You might know a girl with this name, but it’s actually an epithet for the Greek moon goddess Artemis because she was born on Mount Cynthus. Poets like Edmund Spenser used it to talk about the moon without being too obvious.
Phoebe: Another Greek name. It means "bright" or "radiant." It’s also the name of one of Saturn’s moons now, which gets confusing for students.
Mani: This is Old Norse. In Viking mythology, Mani is the brother of Sol (the Sun). He's constantly being chased by a wolf named Hati. If the wolf catches him, we get an eclipse.
The Night’s Eye: This is more of a poetic kenning, but in various ancient cultures, the moon was viewed as a celestial eye watching over the dark hours.
Is "Luna" the Official Name?
Not officially. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the group that decides what stuff in space is called. Their official stance is that the name is just "the Moon." But in a 2026 world where we are actively building the Artemis Base Camp and Gateway station, we need more clarity. When astronauts from the Artemis III mission land near the South Pole, they aren't just going to "the moon"—they are visiting a specific world with its own geography.
Astronomers use the Latin names for the features on the surface, which gives us some of the most beautiful "other names" for parts of the moon:
- Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility)
- Oceanus Procellarum (Ocean of Storms)
- Sinus Iridum (Bay of Rainbows)
These aren't water. They are ancient lava flows. But calling them "seas" stuck.
📖 Related: Radar del tiempo en mi ubicación: por qué tu app te miente (y cómo ver la lluvia de verdad)
Cultural Names and Monthly Monikers
If you’re looking for what is another name for moon based on the time of year, you’re diving into the Farmer’s Almanac territory. These aren't different objects, but different identities we give the moon based on the seasons.
The Wolf Moon in January. The Strawberry Moon in June. The Harvest Moon in September. These names mostly come from a mix of Native American, Colonial American, and European folklore. They helped people track the seasons for planting and hunting before everyone had a smartphone in their pocket.
The Misconception of "The Dark Side"
Kinda annoying thing: people often call the far side of the moon "the dark side." Thanks, Pink Floyd. In reality, both sides get equal amounts of sunlight. A better name is the Far Side. Because of "tidal locking," the moon rotates on its axis at the same speed it orbits Earth. We always see the same face. The other side isn't dark; it's just shy.
Why Technical Names Matter Now
As we move toward a multi-planetary existence, the name "The Moon" becomes problematic. Imagine being a colonist on Mars. You look up and see two moons: Phobos and Deimos. If you say "look at the moon," your friend is going to ask "which one?"
Using Luna or Selene helps us keep our home satellite distinct in a solar system crowded with over 200 other moons.
Actionable Steps for Moon Enthusiasts
If you want to move beyond just knowing the names and actually start seeing these features, here is what you should do:
Get a pair of 10x50 binoculars. You don't need a $2,000 telescope to see the Mare Serenitatis (Sea of Serenity). Binoculars are actually better for beginners because they give you a wider field of view.
Download a Moon Map app. Look for "Lunascope" or the official NASA Moon Trek website. Instead of just looking at a white blob, try to find the Tycho Crater. It’s the one that looks like a belly button with long white streaks (rays) coming out of it.
Track the Terminator. No, not Arnold Schwarzenegger. The "terminator" is the line between the light and dark side of the moon. This is where the shadows are longest and the craters look most dramatic. Check it during a first-quarter moon for the best views.
Learn the Chinese names. If you’re interested in global space travel, learn about Chang'e. That’s the name of the Chinese moon goddess and the name of their successful lunar rover program. It’s becoming just as relevant as "Apollo" in modern space talk.
Knowing another name for moon isn't just a trivia fact; it's a way to connect with how humans have viewed the sky for thousands of years. Whether you call it Luna, Selene, or just that big rock in the sky, it's our closest companion in the void.