If the dark side of the moon is really dark, how can we see it?

Question

Okay, for all those who are about to go: "the dark side of the moon is not visible because it is on the other side." I know my ABC's thank you, I am not asking the --farside-- of the moon, I am asking the dark side of the moon that we can see during the waxing and waning phases.

My quiestion is simple: If sun is the only notable source of illumination in our planetary system how can we see (or barely make out) the dark side of the moon?

Yes you have to look a little careful, but you can see it's contours and such. How come?

Answer 1

Earth shine is the correct answer. When the Moon is crescent as seen from Earth, the Earth is nearly full as seen from the Moon. And Earth is bigger and has much higher reflectivity than the Moon, so a nearly full Earth gives much more light than a nearly full Moon does.

Answer 2

The "Dark side" of the moon is not in perpetual darkness. We call it the "dark" side because it never faces us so it's never visible from Earth, even during a full moon. You see the moon completes one revolution around the Earth for every full rotation, or "moon day" thus the same side of the moon always faces us.

The "dark side", or "far side"is illuminated regularly. Here is a photo of it:

http://www.wolaver.org/Space/moonfarside.jpg

This photo was taken from space, no doubt.

Answer 3

You can see the darkside of the Moon somewhat because there is sunlight being reflected off of Earth towards the Moon and this ever so dimly lets us see the dark side of the Moon.

Answer 4

There is no such thing as the dark side of the moon, each side gets just as much sunlight, however only one side of the moon faces the earth.

Answer 5

Because some light is emitted from the earth, allowing us to somewhat make out the "dark" side of the moon? Just a guess...

Answer 6

It is what is called Earth shine. The light is reflecting off the earth and illuminating the dark side.

Answer 7

During those phases of the moon you describe, the faint light you can see on its surface is earthlight--sunlight reflecting off our planet and onto the moon.

Answer 8

I believe it is because the earths reflection lights up the moon. and with telescopes being as crazy as they are they can see a lot. my answer is just a guess and im not a scientist or anything

Answer 9

I think it's due to 2 factors. First, the earth reflects some light. Second, our brain thinks we see it...we are masters at unconsciously filling in the lines/continuing the shape.

Answer 10

Light relection bounces off of space crystals.