Abstract Misconceptions have been extensively investigated. The purpose of this study was to develope a multiple-choice group test and to diagnose misconceptions about the moon held by preservice teachers in Taiwan. The developed test consisted of 25 items which cover the conceptions about the moon that are required for future teaching. A sample of 174 preservice teachers from three teachers colleges were assessed. The results showed that the preservice teachers held various misconceptions related the moon. There was no singificant difference between female and male students in possession of the misconceptions about the moon. The students with folk religion held the same notions as those without folk religion, and science major and non-science major students had even deversity on different aspects of misconceptions. The possible sources and suggestions conclude this study.