View source for Moon

{{search|moon that orbits the Pokémon world|other uses|Moon (disambiguation)}}
----
[[File:Mt Moon dance.png|thumb|250px|Multiple {{p|Cleffa}}, {{p|Clefairy}}, and {{p|Clefable}} dancing around a giant [[Moon Stone]] under the moonlight at [[Mt. Moon]] in ''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]'']]
The '''moon''' serves as the [[Pokémon world]]'s sole {{wp|natural satellite}}. It is typically visible only at [[Time|night]] and undergoes {{wp|lunar phase}}s just like {{wp|Earth}}'s {{wp|Moon}}, with which it shares an identical appearance. It is also likely the cause of the Pokémon world's {{wp|tide}}s, which also resemble Earth's.

==Overview==
There are several moon-related {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}, [[move]]s, [[item]]s, and [[List of locations|locations]] that appear across various [[Pokémon]] media, as well as some characters with names related to the moon. Additionally, the games {{game4|SMUSUM}} feature the moon as a recurring theme, with Pokémon Moon and Pokémon Ultra Moon both containing Moon in their titles and featuring the lunar [[game mascot]] [[Legendary Pokémon]] {{p|Lunala}} and {{fd|Necrozma|Dawn Wings}} {{p|Necrozma}}, respectively.

{{wp|Lunar eclipse}}s, during which the planet passes between the [[sun]] and the moon, causing the moon to appear dark and red, are mentioned in the {{pkmn|animated series}}. {{wp|Solar eclipse}}s, when the moon passes over the sun, have also been mentioned and shown in the animated series.

==History==
In the [[Generation I]] games and their [[Generation III]] remakes, an old man on the second floor of the [[Pewter Museum of Science]] states "''July 20, 1969! Humankind first set foot on the moon that day. I bought a color TV just so I could watch that news.''" July 20, 1969 was indeed the date that humans first landed on Earth's Moon in the real world with the {{wp|Apollo 11}} flight. In {{LGPE}}, he states: "''It has been decades since mankind stood on the moon...and now, we’re following the dream of standing on {{wp|Mars|that faraway red planet}}! News about space always makes me so excited!''"

==List of Pokémon associated with the moon==
[[File:Cresselia and Darkrai DP4 artwork.png|thumb|200px|{{p|Cresselia}} and {{p|Darkrai}} in promotional art for the {{Trading Card Game}}]]
Several Pokémon are closely associated with the moon, often incorporating the moon into their appearance and biology, as well as capable of learning moon-related [[move]]s. A few also have [[Evolution]]s that are influenced by the moon.

{| class="roundtable" style="text-align: center; background: #{{moon color dark}}; border: 3px solid #{{moon color}}"
|-
! style="background: #{{moon color light}}; {{roundytl|10px}}" width=150px | Pokémon
! style="background: #{{moon color light}}; {{roundytr|10px}}" width=750px | Description

|-
! style="background: #fff; style="text-align: left" | [[File:0173Cleffa.png|50px]]<br>{{p|Cleffa}}<br>[[File:0035Clefairy.png|50px]]<br>{{p|Clefairy}}<br>[[File:0036Clefable.png|50px]]<br>{{p|Clefable}}
|class="l" style="padding:5px"| Cleffa, Clefairy, and Clefable are rumored to come from the moon.

In the {{pkmn|animated series}} episode ''[[AG134|A Real Cleffa Hanger]]'', multiple Cleffa were revealed to be living at [[Mt. Moon]].

Clefairy are known to gather at [[Mt. Moon]] and the [[Fabled Spring]] during a full moon. Their wings can store moonlight, allowing them to float. On the rare occasions that
Clefairy comes down from its mountain home, it can be seen dancing underneath the full moon's light. On every night of a full moon, groups of this Pokémon come out to dance and play. It's said that happiness will come to anyone who sees Clefairy dance under a full moon.

Clefable is said to be drawn by the full moon to play at deserted lakes. Some scientists believe that Clefable stares intently at the moon because it is homesick. There is a legend to this as well, which tells of how Clefable listens for the voices of its kind on the moon during clear and quiet nights.

|-
! style="background: #fff; style="text-align: left" | [[File:0197Umbreon.png|50px]]<br>{{p|Umbreon}}
|class="l" style="padding:5px"| Umbreon [[Evolution|evolves]] from {{p|Eevee}} as a result of being exposed to moonlight; it is known as the [[Pokémon category|Moonlight Pokémon]].

|-
! style="background: #fff; style="text-align: left" | [[File:0216Teddiursa.png|50px]]<br>{{p|Teddiursa}}<br>[[File:0217Ursaring.png|50px]]<br>{{p|Ursaring}}<br>[[File:0901Ursaluna.png|50px]][[File:0901Ursaluna-Bloodmoon.png|50px]]<br>{{p|Ursaluna}}
|class="l" style="padding:5px"| Teddiursa, Ursaring, Ursaluna, and {{fd|Ursaluna|Bloodmoon}} Ursaluna all have markings on their bodies resembling various phases of the moon. The Teddiursa family may be based on the {{wp|Asian black bear}}, whose Japanese name (ツキノワグマ ''tsukinowaguma'') literally means "ring-of-the-moon bear".

The marking on Teddiursa's face may be inspired by the {{wp|Lunar phase|crescent moon}} shape found on the chest of most Asian black bears. Teddiursa's Japanese name may involve 朏 ''hi'' (crescent moon).

Ursaring evolves into Ursaluna when exposed to a [[Peat Block]] during a full moon.

Ursaluna has ''luna'' in its name. Its Japanese name may involve 月輪 ''gachirin'' (round moon). Bloodmoon Ursaluna, as indicated by its name, appears to be based on the {{wp|lunar eclipse}} phenomenon, also known as a "blood moon", in which the moon appears red in the sky.

|-
! style="background: #fff; style="text-align: left" | [[File:0337Lunatone.png|50px]]<br>{{p|Lunatone}}
|class="l" style="padding:5px"| Lunaone becomes active on a full moon. The moon increases its power, and its health is tied to the lunar phases. {{pkmn2|Wild}} Lunatone are sometimes found [[Held item|holding]] a [[Moon Stone]]. Additionally, its body is shaped like a crescent moon, and its name seems to incorporate the word ''luna'', Latin for moon.

|-
! style="background: #fff; style="text-align: left" | [[File:0488Cresselia.png|50px]]<br>{{p|Cresselia}}<br>[[File:0491Darkrai.png|50px]]<br>{{p|Darkrai}}
|class="l" style="padding:5px"| Cresselia and Darkrai, commonly known by fans as the [[lunar duo]], can be found on [[Fullmoon Island]] and [[Newmoon Island]], respectively. In {{g|Legends: Arceus}}, Cresselia is found at [[Moonview Arena]].

Due to its appearance, Cresselia is said to be a representation of the moon, specifically resembling a crescent moon. It is also known as the [[Pokémon category|Lunar Pokémon]]. On nights around the quarter moon, the aurora from its tail extends and undulates beautifully. Cresselia is also the [[signature move|only known Pokémon]] capable of learning the moves {{m|Lunar Dance}} and {{m|Lunar Blessing}}. Additionally, Cresselia is associated with the [[Lunar Feather]].

Darkrai is said to be active during nights of a new moon. Folklore claims that on moonless nights, this Pokémon will make [[Human|people]] see horrific nightmares.

|-
! style="background: #fff; style="text-align: left" | [[File:0373Salamence-Mega.png|50px]]<br>{{me|Salamence}}<br>[[File:1005Roaring Moon.png|50px]]<br>{{p|Roaring Moon}}
|class="l" style="padding:5px"| Salamence's [[Mega Evolution]], Mega Salamence, has been called "the blood-soaked crescent", possibly referencing blood moons. Its ancient {{pkmn2|Paradox}} counterpart is named Roaring Moon (Japanese: トドロクツキ ''Todorokutsuki''; literally 轟く月 ''todoroku tsuki'' roaring moon). The shape of their wings both resemble a crescent moon.

|-
! style="background: #fff; style="text-align: left" | [[File:0745Lycanroc-Midnight.png|50px]]<br>{{fd|Lycanroc|Midnight Form}} {{p|Lycanroc}}
|class="l" style="padding:5px"| Lycanroc's {{fd|Lycanroc|Midnight Form}} is influenced by {{p|Lunala}}'s lunar energy, and only evolves into this form during the night. The animation for the Pokémon's unique [[Z-Move]], {{m|Splintered Stormshards}}, displays a giant silver moon.

|-
! style="background: #fff; style="text-align: left" | [[File:0792Lunala.png|50px]]<br>{{p|Lunala}}<br>[[File:0800Necrozma-Dawn Wings.png|50px]]<br>{{fd|Necrozma|Dawn Wings}} {{p|Necrozma}}
|class="l" style="padding:5px"| Lunala, [[Pokémon category|categorized]] as the Moone Pokémon, and Dawn Wings Necrozma are the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move {{m|Moongeist Beam}}, as well as the only known Pokémon capable of using the [[Z-Move]] {{m|Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom}}.

Known as the "beast that calls the moon" and "the [[Legendary Pokémon]] of the moon", Lunala has long been honored as an emissary of the moon. While Lunala does not have any forms, it has a transformation called its {{ps|Lunala|Full Moon phase}}. Dawn Wings Necrozma requires the [[N-Lunarizer]] to fuse mechanically.

Dawn Wings Necrozma is named ''Lunar Eclipse Necrozma'' in some media in certain languages.

|-
! style="background: #fff; style="text-align: left" | [[File:0797Celesteela.png|50px]]<br>{{p|Celesteela}}
|class="l" style="padding:5px"| Celesteela's {{ps|Celesteela|Origin|design}} is likely inspired by Princess Kaguya from ''{{wp|The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter}}'', who was found as a baby in a bamboo stalk and is associated with the {{wp|Moon}}. This connection is reinforced by Celesteela's exclusivity to {{pkmn|Sun and Moon|Pokémon Moon}} and {{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Moon}}.

|}{{-}}

There are also multiple Pokémon that evolve via [[Moon Stone]], namely the [[Nidoran]], {{p|Clefairy}}, {{p|Jigglypuff}}, {{p|Skitty}}, and {{p|Munna}} lines.

Additionally, various other Pokémon have behavior that is affected by or related in some way to the moon.
* {{p|Golbat}}, {{p|Haunter}}, and {{p|Noivern}} become active on moonless nights.
* {{p|Cubone}} cries in the moonlight after seeing a likeness of its mother in the full moon.
* {{p|Gengar}} mimics shadows of people under the full moon.
* {{p|Oddish}} is awakened and begins to move when exposed to moonlight.
* {{p|Grimer}} was born when sludge in a dirty stream was exposed to X-rays from the moon.
* [[Politoed (Pokémon)|Politoed]] gather on moonlit nights to form a large chorus.
* {{p|Wynaut}} gather on moonlit nights to play.
* Schools of {{p|Jellicent}} gather near the surface of the sea, waiting for their prey to appear when a full moon hangs in the night sky.
* {{p|Gourgeist}} wander town streets on the night of the new moon, singing in eerie voices.
* {{p|Primarina}} has a fantastical look on moonlit nights when it leads its colony in song.

==List of characters with names related to the moon==
* [[Cynthia]]'s name refers to the moon, paralleling [[Cyrus]]'s name, which refers to the sun.
* {{ga|Selene}}'s English name may be based on {{wp|Selene}}, the Greek goddess of the moon. Her Japanese name, ミヅキ ''Mizuki'', means beautiful moon. Additionally, she is the female [[player character]] for {{game4|SMUSUM}}.
** Selene's [[Pokémon Adventures]] counterpart is named {{adv|Moon}}, directly inspired by the moon and named after the game of the same title.
* [[Cyllene]] of the [[Galaxy Team]] may also be named after the Greek goddess, Selene. Her Japanese name, シマボシ ''Shimaboshi'', may incorporate しまぼし ''shimaboshi'', a poetic name for the moon.
* [[Lunick]] is the male player character from {{vg|Pokémon Ranger}}, whose name may come from ''luna'', the Latin word for moon. His Japanese name, カヅキ ''Kazuki'', may be derived from 月 ''tsuki'', Japanese for moon.

==List of moves associated with the moon==
[[File:Lusamine Clefable Moonblast.png|thumb|250px|{{p|Clefable}} using {{m|Moonblast}} in ''[[Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon]]'']]
* {{m|Blood Moon}} unleashes the full brunt of the user's spirit from a full moon that shines as red as blood.
* {{m|Lunar Blessing}} allows the user to receive a blessing from the crescent moon, restoring [[HP]] and curing [[status condition]]s for itself and its ally Pokémon currently in the {{pkmn|battle}}.
* {{m|Lunar Dance}} creates an image of a crescent moon, and is one of the [[signature move]]s of the [[Legendary Pokémon]] {{p|Cresselia}}.
* {{m|Moonblast}} borrows the power of the moon to attack the target, lowering the target's [[stat]]s.
* {{m|Moongeist Beam}} is the signature move of {{p|Lunala}} and {{fd|Necrozma|Dawn Wings}} {{p|Necrozma}}, and can be upgraded to the exclusive [[Z-Move]] {{m|Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom}}.
* {{m|Moonlight}} allows the user to heal itself with moonlight.
* {{m|Splintered Stormshards}} is the exclusive [[Z-Move]] to {{p|Lycanroc}}. Lycanroc's {{fd|Lycanroc|Midnight Form}} features the a giant glowing moon.
{{-}}

==List of items associated with the moon==
[[File:Moon Stone JN120.png|thumb|250px|A [[Moon Stone]] in ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'']]
* The [[Moon Stone]] is described in the {{g|Mystery Dungeon}} series as an odd stone that gleams like the moon in the evening sky.
* The [[Moon Ball]] is a [[Poké Ball]] designed for catching Pokémon that [[Evolution|evolve]] using the Moon Stone.
* The [[Moon Flute]] is said to produce tones that were offered up as an expression of gratitude to the [[Legendary Pokémon]] of the moon, {{p|Lunala}}. It also causes [[Nebby]] to evolve in {{pkmn|Sun and Moon|Pokémon Moon}} and {{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Moon}}.
* The [[Lunar Feather]] is a feather that glows like the moon and is linked to the Legendary Pokémon {{p|Cresselia}}.
* The [[N-Lunarizer]] is used to fuse {{p|Lunala}} and {{p|Necrozma}}.
* In {{spin-off games}}, various moon-related items allow {{p|Eevee}} to evolve into {{p|Umbreon}}:
** The [[Moon Shard]]<sup>{{gameabbrevss|XD}}</sup>
** The {{DL|Mystery Dungeon evolutionary items|Lunar Ribbon}}<sup>{{gameabbrevmd|RB}}/{{gameabbrevmd|TDS}}</sup> - A ribbon filled with moonlight. Also allows {{p|Gligar}} to evolve into {{p|Gliscor}}, {{p|Sneasel}} to evolve into {{p|Weavile}}, and {{p|Chingling}} to evolve into {{p|Chimecho}}.
** The {{DL|Mystery Dungeon evolutionary items|Heart of the Moon}}<sup>{{gameabbrevmd|GTI}}</sup> - A heart-shaped stone that lets you feel moonlight.

==List of locations associated with the moon==
[[File:Fullmoon Island pond anime.png|thumb|250px|[[Fullmoon Island]] in ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'']]
[[File:Mt. Moonview RTDX.png|thumb|250px|Artwork of [[Mt. Moonview]] for {{g|Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX}}]]
===In the core series===
====[[Kanto]]====
* [[Mt. Moon]] - The shards of meteorites that fall here are known as [[Moon Stone]]s. Mt. Moon is also known for being one of the few places where {{pkmn2|wild}} {{p|Clefairy}} can be found.
** [[Mt. Moon Square]] - Multiple Clefairy can be found dancing around a rock with the full moon visible in the reflection of the pond at Mt. Moon Square. If startled, the Clefairy will run away and leave behind a Moon Stone.
* [[Pewter Museum of Science]] - The museum holds a huge collection of artifacts, including rocks from the moon and space shuttles.

====[[Johto]]====
* [[Blue Moon Falls]] ({{pkmn|animated series}}-only) - In ''[[EP127|Once in a Blue Moon]]'', {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} followed and found a group of {{p|Quagsire}} at Blue Moon Falls, where they saw that, on that night, the moon was actually blue. The Quagsire then threw their objects into the air and used Water Gun on them to send them flying over the waterfall, which sent them flowing back down. Brock suggested that the Quagsire do this as a competition to see who can get their object closest to the moon.

====[[Sinnoh]]====
* [[Fullmoon Island]] - The [[Legendary Pokémon]] {{p|Cresselia}} can be found here, as well as the [[Lunar Feather]]. In the forest is a pond shaped like a crescent moon.
* [[Newmoon Island]] - The [[Mythical Pokémon]] {{p|Darkrai}} can be found here. The grove contains a {{DL|Puddle|Lunar duo|puddle}} in the shape of a circle, with darker-than-usual water, representing the new moon.

====[[Alola]]====
* [[Altar of the Moone]] - In {{pkmn|Sun and Moon|Pokémon Moon}}, this altar is where a ritual to summon the [[Legendary Pokémon]] {{p|Lunala}} is given. During the story, the player travels to [[Ultra Space]] from the Altar of the Moone using Lunala's power. The location heavily features the moon as a visual motif.
* [[Lake of the Moone]] - In {{pkmn|Sun and Moon|Pokémon Sun}} and {{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Sun}}, the [[Moon Flute]] lies here before [[Lusamine]]'s family had taken it. In Pokémon Moon and {{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Moon}}, the player can obtain Cosmog here if Lunala is in their party. The location heavily features the moon as a visual motif.
* [[Mount Lanakila]] - In Pokémon Moon, {{prof|Kukui}} states that he founded the [[Alola League|Pokémon League]] on Mount Lanakila because it is the closest point to the Legendary Pokémon of Alola, Lunala, said to be the moon incarnate.

====[[Hisui]]====
* [[Fabled Spring]] - At [[Time|night]], Clefairy gather near the flower patches during a full moon.
* [[Moonview Arena]] - The Legendary Pokémon Cresselia can be found here.

====[[Kitakami]]====
* [[Timeless Woods]] - {{fd|Ursaluna|Bloodmoon}} {{p|Ursaluna}} can be found here on foggy nights.

===In spin-off games===
====[[Pokémon world (Mystery Dungeon)|Mystery Dungeon world]]====
* [[Moonlit Cave]] - A [[Mystery dungeon|dungeon]] in {{g|Super Mystery Dungeon}} that is unlocked after using the stairs behind the locked door in [[Small Sand Dune]] during {{p|Lunatone}}'s Connection Orb mission.
* [[Mt. Moonview]] - An area where the moon looks its most beautiful, especially when it's full. The very sight brings serenity.

==Eclipses==
===Lunar eclipses===
A {{wp|lunar eclipse}} is an event in which the moon passes between the planet and the sun, causing the moon to darken. This sometimes gives the moon a reddish appearance, sometimes called a "blood moon".

Lunar eclipses are mentioned in ''[[M09|Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea]]''. In the movie, the Sea Temple [[Samiya]] is an underwater palace that cannot be seen regularly, as it blends in with the water. Samiya will only reveal itself under the red moonlight of a lunar eclipse.

===Solar eclipses===
[[File:Eclipse Festival.png|thumb|250px|A solar eclipse in ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'']]
A {{wp|solar eclipse}} is an event in which the moon passes in front of the [[sun]], obscuring the view of the sun from a portion of the planet's surface for a short period of time.

Solar eclipses have been mentioned a few times in the {{pkmn|animated series}}.
* In ancient times, {{OBP|Arceus|M12}} was rescued by [[Damos]] after suffering critical injuries by protecting the world from a meteor's impact. In gratitude, Arceus created the [[Jewel of Life]] out of its [[Splash Plate|Splash]], [[Meadow Plate|Meadow]], [[Earth Plate|Earth]], [[Zap Plate|Zap]], and [[Draco Plate]]s and gave it to Damos to make the desolate land of [[Michina Town]] rich and fertile. Damos was to return the Jewel to Arceus on the day of a {{wp|solar eclipse}}, but due to being controlled by [[Marcus]], he betrayed Arceus and did not return the Jewel.
* The [[Manalo Festival]] is celebrated in the [[Alola]] region, occurring once every 21 years during a solar eclipse.
* The [[Eclipse Festival]] is an event celebrating solar eclipses held annually at [[Eclipse Castle]] in [[Johto]].

==See also==
* {{wp|Moon|Moon on Wikipedia}}
* [[Sun]]
* [[Time]]
* [[Nocturnal Pokémon]]

{{-}}
{{Project Locations notice}}

[[Category:Pokémon world]]