why doesn't the moon spin on it's axis like the earth does?

Answer 1

The moon definitely rotates. It just doesn't look like it, from where we stand.

The moon rotates at a constant rate. But, it's distance from earth, and speed in its orbit, varies quite a bit. This means that we can see a little ways around the edge of the moon. And the rotational axis of the moon is tilted somewhat; so we can see a little beyond the Moon's north and south poles. So, over a period of time, we can see about 57% of the moon, from earth.

In the movie, Crocodile Dundee II, Paul Hogan travels back to Australia. In one scene, they show the moon. And it looks just like the moon looks in America. It should be upside down (South on top).

The rotation of the moon is, to some extent, a matter of definition, as it is not rotating with respect to us observers here on earth. But the above definition (with the moon rotating) is more consistent with other rotations in astronomy and geometry. An earth-centered universe is a myth which was disproved long ago.

Answer 2

The Moon does spin on its axis. If it didn't then we would be able to see the dark side half the time. The moon is tidally locked by the greater gravity of the Earth so that it only shows one face to the Earth. The lunar day (time to spin on it's axis) equals the lunar month (the time it takes to revolve around the Earth).

Answer 3

It does. It spins once every 28 days, coinciding precisely with the rate at which it revolves around the Earth (this is why it keeps the same face towards us at all times). The reason for this is that the Moon is tidally locked with the Earth; the gravitational forces between them have a sort of friction-like effect, which over billions of years caused the Moon to rotate at the same speed at which it orbits.

EDIT: The fact that the Moon is not a planet has nothing to do with its rotation. If it did, then Pluto would have stopped rotating about a month ago! XD Anyway, tidal locking occurs between pretty much any objects that are orbiting sufficiently close to each other, including planets that orbit very close to their stars (some of these have been found).

Answer 4

It does ! However it is tidally locked. It takes one revolution on it's axis approx 28 days the same time it takes to orbit the earth. Tidal locking is caused by energy being losted by tidal forces (and you don't need water for that to happen)

Answer 5

Yes, it does spin in it axis because I have said it so!!! :o) ...and the gravitational push and pull have been established .. and stayed there in its distance by spinning... and if it stopped spinning and stopped rotating on earth???... it will implode and crashed down to earth.

But for your genius mind (wishing!!!!), it doesn't because their rotational tract is different in the first place. The moon rotates on earth while the earth rotates in Sun. And for the fact... moon is not earth... and their gravitational pull and push makes the difference in spinning their respective axis.

Anyway, for your information, spinning is different from rotation.

Answer 6

Cos the earth wants to be a ballerina and the moon is a boring old fart

Answer 7

Actually it does in every 27.5 days, which is the same period it takes for revolution and that's the reason why we always see only one part of the moon.

Answer 8

it does but it revolves and rotates at the same rate so the same side is always facing the earth

Answer 9

42

Answer 10

Its something to do with the earths gravity...thats as far as i can tell