2007-03-28 14:18:48 · 5 answers · asked by ispwyf00 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Yes, it rotates with the same period as it's orbit around Earth, every 27.3 days. This is why the same side always faces Earth. As it orbits, it rotates to keep that side facing us. The reason behind this is called tidal locking.
2007-03-28 14:25:05 · answer #1 · answered by Arkalius 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Around a month, but it rotates in such a way that the same side is always facing the Earth so it doesn't appear to rotate. This phenomenon is known as tidal locking.
Great minds think alike Arkalius!
2007-03-28 21:26:25 · answer #2 · answered by magicninja 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer depends on what it's rotating relative to.
If you mean "does it rotate relative to the earth," the answer is no. It wobbles (librates) a little from side to side, but it doesn't rotate relative to the earth. That's why we always see the same side.
If you mean "does it rotate relative to the sun" or "does it rotate relative to the stars" then the answer is yes. Relative to the stars it rotates in (I think) about 27.3 days and relative to the sun it rotates in about 29.5 days.
2007-03-28 23:20:23 · answer #3 · answered by Isaac Laquedem 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, it rotates. Each rotation takes one moonth.
2007-03-29 00:07:47 · answer #4 · answered by grotereber 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes...it makes one complete orbit around the Earth every 27.3 days.
2007-03-29 00:18:43 · answer #5 · answered by annmarie_tpg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋