2007-03-01 08:33:43 · 8 answers · asked by S L 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Yes, the moon turns around in exactly the same amount of time it takes for it to go around the earth once. As a result, the same side is always facing us.
2007-03-01 08:37:53 · answer #1 · answered by computerguy103 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
The Moon is in synchronous rotation, meaning that it keeps nearly the same face turned toward Earth at all times. Early in the Moon's history, its rotation slowed and became locked in this configuration as a result of frictional effects associated with tidal deformations caused by the Earth. Nevertheless, small variations resulting from the eccentricity of the lunar orbit termed librations allow up to about 59% of the lunar surface to be visible from Earth.
The side of the Moon that faces Earth is called the near side, and the opposite side is called the far side. The far side should not be confused with the dark side, which is the hemisphere that is not illuminated by the Sun. Spacecraft are cut off from direct radio communication with Earth when behind the Moon (see line-of-sight propagation). The far side of the Moon was first photographed by the Soviet probe Luna 3 in 1959. One distinguishing feature of the far side is its almost complete lack of maria (singular: mare), which are the dark albedo feature
2007-03-01 08:40:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The moon does rotate like the Earth. It rotates on the same period that it orbits the Earth. It's rotation is tidally locked with it's orbit. This means the same side of the moon always faces the Earth at any given time.
2007-03-01 08:38:19 · answer #3 · answered by Arkalius 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Our moon, like a few other satellites does rotate, and it keeps pace with the earth. That is why we always see the same side. There are dark side of the moon pictures that are amazing. You can really see the scars of impacts on the surface.
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2007-03-01 08:41:31 · answer #4 · answered by Bacchus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but more slowly. The Moon turns on its axis once a month. Since it also orbits the Earth once a month, the same side is always facing Earth, but the same side is NOT always facing the Sun.
2007-03-01 08:38:17 · answer #5 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if it didn't turn we wouldn't always see the same side. It is what we call a 1:1 residence (for each orbit it rotates once). This is no accident though because of something called tidal locking witch is common throughout the solar system.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/NeatAstronomy/
2007-03-01 09:45:21 · answer #6 · answered by chase 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes in 28 days
2007-03-01 09:07:25 · answer #7 · answered by bwadsp 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yep
2007-03-01 08:49:05 · answer #8 · answered by I race cars 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋