2007-05-31 07:32:20 · 8 answers · asked by heavymetalbitch 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It does. It spins once for every time it orbits the earth, so the same side always is towards us. It's called tidal locking which is rather hard to explain so you can read about it here http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/moon/tidal.html
2007-05-31 07:35:18 · answer #1 · answered by Roman Soldier 5 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Actually, the Moon does spin. However, it spins at the same rate at which it orbits the Earth; this is called 'captured rotation'. This effect is caused by being within a certain range of distances from the primary body, in this case the Earth.
The range of distances is determined by the mass of the primary body. If the satellite (i.e. the Moon) is in this .zone of captured rotation', then it will spin on its own axis at the same rate at which it completes its orbit. The result is, as we see with the Moon, the same face being directed toward the primary body at all times.
Here's how you can demonstrate this to yourself:
Take a golf ball and an orange (or any two objects really). Mark the ball with a dot, put the orange on a table and move the ball in a circle around the orange. You will fin that, in order to keep the dot pointed towards the orange, you will have to turn the ball as you take it around the orange.
I hope this helps.
2007-05-31 07:43:38 · answer #2 · answered by general_ego 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The Moon does spin but at the same rate as it moves around the earth Many have said it's called tidal lock or captured rotation or something like that and it is true A simple explaination or at least as simple as I can... Imagine a large bowl of water and start stir the water with a big spoon You will get a whirlpool formed. If you put something in the bowl it will after a short time float round with the rest of the water and will keep the same face towards the centre. Here the water is gravity but the effect is the same (Kinda)
2007-05-31 21:01:35 · answer #3 · answered by xpatgary 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The moon *does* spin. At the equator it's rotating at about 10.3 mph. Earth spins at 1,035 mph and is 240,000 miles from the moon. These three factors are why only one side of the moon faces us all the time.
2007-05-31 08:45:57 · answer #4 · answered by Chug-a-Lug 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does spin. It's rotational rate is once a month, meaning one side of the moon always faces earth.
Presumably this is due to more mass on the near half of the moon, but I'm not certain.
2007-05-31 07:35:27 · answer #5 · answered by Radagast97 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It does; it's just that as it spins it always keeps rouhly the same face toward earth. It rotates roughly every 28 days
2007-05-31 07:35:12 · answer #6 · answered by Gene 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
The moon is not a planet, it's a satalite.
2007-05-31 07:37:28 · answer #7 · answered by Dannie 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
as there is less gravity all the dust would fly off and fall to earth.
2007-05-31 07:35:18 · answer #8 · answered by capa-de-monty 6 · 0⤊ 10⤋