2006-12-11 01:23:00 · 8 answers · asked by Manish J 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The moon does rotate on it's axis. It takes 27.3 days to make one full rotation. It also takes 27.3 days to orbit the earth. Thus the Moon only shows one face to the Earth giving the illusion that it doesn't rotate. This is called tidally locked.
2006-12-11 02:44:52 · answer #1 · answered by gfminis 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because we are the point around which it revolves and its spin is tidally locked (the tidal force of Earth upon the Moon has locked its spin such that it is equal to its orbital period).
Actually, because the Moon's orbit is an ellipse instead of a circle, we see a bit more than the half that faces us: we see 59%. The orbital speed varies slightly during the month while its rotation spin is steady.
The apparent wobble is called Libration.
2006-12-11 01:28:05 · answer #2 · answered by Raymond 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually the time moon takes for revolution is the same as for its rotation. Though it might strike in your mind that, if it rotates then why are we not able to see the other side. For that try to do the experiment yourself. Take a plate in your hand and assume it as moon( i said plate so that it will be easy for u to know what is happening). and give it one full rotation, and do the same while revolving the plate around any stationary object. You'll get your answer.
2006-12-11 01:56:23 · answer #3 · answered by Mangz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It just happens that the rotational period of the moon is exactly the same as its period of revolution (~28 days). It's a tough concept from the viewpoint of Earth.
Think about if an Earth day was as long as its year: the Earth would always show the same side to the sun.
2006-12-11 01:29:34 · answer #4 · answered by Bugmän 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the time it takes to moon to orbit the earth is exactly the same as its rotation time.
This way the same side of the moon is always facing the earth.
Apparantly, it's not a coincidence that these periods are identical. (see source)
2006-12-11 01:27:51 · answer #5 · answered by anton3s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
moon is roteting around its axes it has only orbital motion around earth so one side of moon always faces to earth
2006-12-11 01:57:22 · answer #6 · answered by imgujju 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of the light rays from sun.
I think u must have studied about Umbra an penumbra in physics.
this is the reason.
2006-12-11 19:01:37 · answer #7 · answered by Meera 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because its period of rotation equals the period of its orbit
2006-12-11 01:27:43 · answer #8 · answered by MarkG 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋