The Monero Moon (Issue 79)
The Monero Moon is a curated newsletter covering all the latest news within Monero (XMR). We are driven by a compelling need to champion both freedom and financial privacy!
Table of Contents:
Development, Releases, and Technology
General News
Events and Meetings
Exchanges and Merchants
Community Crowdfunding
Trading and Speculation
Network Metrics
Entertainment
Development, Releases, and Technology
Monero’s network hashrate recently hit a new all-time high of over 5.00 GH/s. This milestone reflects growing miner participation and reinforces the strength of Monero’s decentralized, ASIC-resistant network. As of block 3,410,510, the hashrate has settled at around 4.53 GH/s, maintaining high levels of security and resilience.
Tari, a confidential L1 PoW blockchain co-founded by former Monero lead maintainer Riccardo “fluffypony” Spagni, is now live on mainnet after nearly eight years of development. The v2.1.0 release enables merge mining with Monero, allowing miners to earn both XMR and XTM simultaneously with no extra energy cost—boosting Monero’s hashrate and decentralization.
According to sech1’s PSA, P2Pool miners can now merge mine by running a Tari node and wallet alongside their existing setup. After syncing your Minotari node, create a wallet, copy your interactive receive address, and add the --merge-mine flag to your P2Pool command. XTM is currently solo-mined, but this does not affect Monero payouts. To get started, visit tari.com, check your rewards via the Tari block explorer, and follow P2Pool instructions for merge mining.
fluffypony issued a public warning that SupportXMR.com is merge mining Tari without informing or rewarding miners. He pointed to Monero block 3,409,340, which corresponds to Tari block 4054, as proof. Currently, no Monero mining pools openly support merge-mining Tari, though some are developing it. fluffypony urges miners to either stop using SupportXMR or demand a share of the Tari rewards, calling it unfair for pool operators to pocket merge-mined coins earned by users' hashrate.
hinto-janai has released Cuprate v0.0.3 "Molybdenite," the third alpha of a new Monero node implementation designed to be modular and lightweight. This version adds transaction pool relay rules, a cuprated.service file, and improved handling of chain reorgs—including recovery for failed reorgs and fixes for peer list crashes. Fast-sync has also been updated to height 3401216. Cuprate is still in early development, and users are advised to build from source. Learn more and download the release here.
binarybaron and einliterflasche have published their fourth progress report for the CCS proposal to evolve the XMR-BTC atomic swaps ecosystem into a mature marketplace. Key updates include over 10,000 lines of code changed, groundwork laid for mobile apps, and growing liquidity—now exceeding 6.5 BTC in offers, with some makers hitting over 1 BTC/day. Highlights include the new moner-sys Rust bindings, upgraded Bitcoin Dev Kit, improved Tails/Whonix support, and thread-safe Monero wallet RPC. Read the full report here or join the discussion on Matrix.
Techtoshi has launched a new Monero testnet faucet, offering developers easy access to testnet XMR for protocol-level experimentation. Unlike stagenet, which mirrors mainnet for app testing, testnet is used to trial deeper network upgrades before deployment. The faucet is actively being funded as Techtoshi mines new coins, ideal for developers building or testing Monero tools. Just enter your testnet wallet address, complete a captcha, and you’re good to go. Stats, FAQs, and more details are available on the site.
MoneroWat.ch is a new, fast, minimalist, and privacy-respecting Monero block explorer. It avoids tracking, loads quickly, and offers essential features like checking block heights, tx hashes, fees, and ring member info—all without JavaScript. Visit monerowat.ch to explore the Monero blockchain privately and efficiently.
Norrin Radd has submitted a CCS proposal to build a cross-platform Haveno app for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and web—all powered by the Flutter SDK. The app will serve as a mobile and web-friendly frontend that connects securely to a user-hosted Haveno daemon, making it easier for people to trade Monero privately from their phone or browser. While not standalone, it aims to significantly improve accessibility and liquidity by decoupling users from desktops. Discussion is ongoing around architecture, feasibility, testing, and UX. More information can be found here.
XMRChat is a censorship-resistant tipping platform that lets content creators receive 100% of their Monero (XMR) tips directly, with no middlemen, no platform fees, and no KYC. Designed as an alternative to YouTube Superchats and Rumble Rants, XMRChat empowers creators to accept tips privately and anonymously, offering supporters a quick and easy way to send Monero without needing an account or credit card. The platform is also open-source, giving users full transparency and control. Ideal for privacy-conscious creators, especially those concerned about deplatforming or financial censorship. Learn more or join at xmrchat.com.
Monero Observer has published a new Monero Dev Activity Report to provide a big-picture view of Monero's development activity throughout the past week. If you’re interested in the nitty gritty, check it out here.
General News
monero.eco is a visual, community-driven map of the Monero ecosystem, designed to help new users explore trusted and impactful Monero-related projects. The mind map is created by Mondetta and hosted by schmidt1024, who manages the website and repository. The diagram includes links to open-source tools, exchanges, and services that support decentralization and adoption. Recent updates include new icons, logo refinements, and structure tweaks to keep the layout clear and beginner friendly. Contributors are welcome to suggest additions or edits via GitHub, as long as projects meet criteria like being open-source, modular, and widely used.
The latest episode of the UNGOVERNABLE Misfits podcast, Monero Monthly 05: Stolen Funds & Shutdowns, features MaxBitbuybit and Seth For Privacy breaking down major Monero news from May. Topics include the $330M BTC theft laundered via Monero, exchange shutdowns, Exodus dropping XMR, Cake Wallet’s rebrand, and updates on Haveno, Monfluo, and broader Monero development. It's a hard-hitting roundup for those keeping tabs on Monero’s challenges and resilience in the face of growing pressure. Check it out here.
In Monerotopia Episode 214, the Monero Talk team welcomes special guest cryptocomicon for a packed livestream featuring Monero price insights from Bawdy, news commentary by Tux, and a deep dive into the latest developments across the Monero ecosystem. Topics include Spain’s new crypto rules, Jake Gagain’s Monero video, decentralized XMR trading on Android, and more.
The latest episode of Privacy & Freedom Weekly by Sovereign Syndicate delivers a packed roundup of Monero and privacy-related news for early May. Privacy & Freedom Weekly is a YouTube video series by Sovereign Syndicate, focused on news and updates related to Monero, privacy, and individual freedom. Don’t let the hat, sunglasses, and mask throw you off, there’s plenty of value behind the persona. Watch the latest episode here.
Sovereign Syndicate has released Monero & Crypto 101, a beginner-friendly video guide for those new to Monero and cryptocurrency. The video breaks down core concepts like what Monero is, how decentralization works, what a crypto wallet and seed phrase are, and how to store and use Monero safely. Designed to be clear and stress-free, this video is ideal for anyone taking their first steps into private, decentralized finance. Watch it here.
Revuo Monero Issue #237 has been published. Check it out for a weekly dose of Monero news.
Crypto influencer Jake Gagain—who has 388K followers on X and 62K YouTube subscribers—introduced Monero to newcomers in his latest video, Monero: The Secure, Private, Untraceable Crypto. He calls Monero a “sleeping giant” in the crypto space, highlighting its strong privacy, censorship resistance, and long-term potential. The video serves as a straightforward introduction to XMR for those just beginning their journey and focuses primarily on Monero from a price speculation point of view.
Giallo has released a unique Monero-themed podcast created entirely by two AI speakers using the Musen platform. The AIs interact without scripts, sourcing public data independently to discuss Monero and privacy. The Musen team also plans to implement Monero payments for its services.
Events and Meetings
MoneroKon 2025 is coming to Prague on June 20–22! Join privacy advocates, developers, researchers, and enthusiasts from around the world for three days of talks, workshops, and community building—all focused on digital freedom and financial privacy. Tickets are available now.
The next MoneroKon 2025 Planning Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 17:00 UTC in the #monerokon Matrix/IRC channels. The agenda will be available on agenda.monerokon.org.
Douglas Tuman has announced that MoneroTopia 2025 will take place at Porcfest in Lancaster, New Hampshire this June. Held during one of the largest liberty gatherings in the U.S., MoneroTopia will feature a dedicated tent with talks, panels, and workshops focused on privacy, freedom tech, and opt-out tools beyond Monero. It will run concurrently with MoneroKon in Prague, with live streams connecting both events so attendees at either location won’t miss out. No separate ticket is needed—just get your Porcfest pass. If you’re keen to sponsor, speak, host a workshop, or volunteer, reach out to MoneroTopia@protonmail.com.
The next Monero Research Lab meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 17:00 UTC in the #monero-research-lab Matrix and IRC channels. Rucknium is expected to chair the session, with an unconfirmed agenda covering updates, FCMP stressnet preparation, the FCMP++ transaction weight formula, Web-of-Trust for node peer selection, and a unit test for subnet deduplication in the peer selection algorithm. Logs from the previous meeting are available on Monero Observer.
The next Cuprate Meeting is set for Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 18:00 UTC in the #cuprate Matrix and IRC channels. Cuprate is an initiative to build an alternative Monero node in Rust. Boog900 is expected to moderate the meeting, with an agenda including greetings, project updates, a discussion on next steps, and other business. Explore the Cuprate repo or catch up via past reports. Logs from the previous meeting are also available.
Exchanges and Merchants
The Nihilism OPSEC Blog has published a detailed tutorial on how to convert Monero into Litecoin anonymously using Haveno and a secure Whonix VM environment. The guide walks readers through installing a Litecoin wallet, syncing the blockchain, creating an address, and executing a private XMR-to-LTC trade via Haveno, without relying on centralized exchanges or exposing personal information.
Monerica, a grassroots initiative that curates businesses and services where you can spend Monero, celebrated a record-breaking April with its most user submissions, highest revenue, and over 4,000 followers on X.
CypherGoat shared a recap of its April 2025 milestones, celebrating its second month since launch. CypherGoat is a Monero-first exchange aggregator that helps users find the best rates across multiple platforms without ever taking custody of funds. The project is now open source, has launched a Tor hidden service, and surpassed $1 million in volume. It also integrated with BitcoinVN and swapuz, listed 20+ new coins, and rolled out a redesigned WebUI. As always, if using a new service, be sure to exercise caution.
xmr.email is a privacy-focused email service accessible only via Tor, offering anonymous email accounts without requiring KYC or identity verification. Built on Whonix and designed for maximum security, it supports IMAP, SMTP, and POP3 through onion addresses and can be used with clients like Thunderbird or through a webmail interface. The project strongly advocates for privacy and free speech, stating it stores no logs and cannot hand over user data—even under pressure. While donations help fund infrastructure and legal resilience, users are warned not to abuse the platform, with strict rules in place for misuse. Learn more or access the service via xmr.email on Tor or at xmr.email.
Kagi, a privacy-focused, ad-free search engine, is officially adding Monero payment support by fall 2025, according to Seth For Privacy, who has been working with the team behind the scenes. Kagi is known for features like Privacy Pass, which cryptographically breaks the link between your account and individual searches, offering a major privacy upgrade over mainstream search engines. While some in the Monero community raised concerns about Kagi requiring an email address, others pointed out that fake emails work and that Privacy Pass mitigates tracking. Kagi will integrate Monero payments via NowPayments.io, helping users support a service that aligns with Monero’s values of privacy and freedom.
Community Crowdfunding
Several crowdfunding proposals are awaiting community feedback before they can start accepting funds through the Community Crowdfunding System (CCS). For now, they are just proposals, but if they receive some positive feedback from the community they will be moved to a “Funding Required” stage so that they can accept Monero donations through the CCS.
Trading and Speculation
Since November 2024 (when Trump was elected), Monero has been in a clear and steady uptrend against Bitcoin. As shown in the chart below, XMR/BTC has risen from around 0.00155 in early November to approximately 0.00327 as of mid-May 2025, an increase of over 110% in just six months.
While XMR has shown strong relative strength against BTC in recent months, it still has a long way to go before reclaiming the highs seen a few years ago. That said, the recent move back into the Ichimoku Cloud on the weekly timeframe is a notable shift. It's the first sustained re-entry since the multi-year downtrend began, suggesting a possible trend reversal is brewing. A breakout above the cloud, especially if paired with increasing volume, could confirm a longer-term bullish structure forming for XMR relative to BTC.
Monero’s long-term price trajectory is beginning to realign with its unique stock-to-flow model, as shown on Moneroj.net. After years of sideways consolidation, XMR appears to be re-entering its historical growth path—hinting at a potential breakout upwards.
Crypto analyst The Crypto Sniper released a new video titled “Why Monero is Still Undervalued”, outlining Monero’s privacy strengths and long-term potential.
Network Metrics
Total Monero in Circulation — 18,590,526 XMR
Monero Total Marketcap — $5,335,620,301
Coinmarketcap Ranking — #24
XMR ‘street price’ from RetoSwap - $349
XMR/USD Price — $337
XMR/BTC Price — 0.003023 BTC
Monero Network Hashrate — ~4.52 Ghash/s
Monero Mining Pools Hashrate Distribution —
Entertainment
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Have we missed something?
If we've missed something important, let us know! As this is our first issue after a few months, we might have overlooked some news. Feel free to DM if there's anything you'd like included in a future issue.
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