2007-06-20 07:08:43 · 5 answers · asked by tuthutop 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It means when the rotation around the axis and the orbital period become the same. For example the Moon rotates around its axis once a month. It is caused by the tidal bulge- the non-spericity caused by tidal forces- which exerts a drag on rotation (when rotation is faster than orbit) or an acceleration (when slower).
2007-06-20 08:05:50 · answer #1 · answered by DT3238 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perfect example is the moon. The same side always faces the Earth. Therefore it is Tidally locked with the Earth in its orbit. Many years from now, the Earth will also be tidally locked with the moon.
This is the case with Pluto and its moon, Charon.
2007-06-20 14:31:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
although the moon is smaller than the earth, its gravity still exerts an influence. the moon's gravitational attraction is felt most strongly on the side of the earth facing the moon, and this pulls water in the oceans towards it. inertia (the tendency of objects with mass to resist fores acting upon them) attempts to keep the water in place, but because the gravitational force is greater a bulge of water is pulled towards the moon. tidal bulges-gravitational interaction between the earth and moon creates two bulges in earths oceans. as the earth spin on its axis, the bulges of water sweep over the surface, creating tides.
2007-06-20 18:21:11 · answer #3 · answered by big bounce 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is where a satelite in orbit around it's parent planet always presents the same face to the parent planet. This means that's it's rotation takes exactly the same amount of time as one orbit.
2007-06-20 16:57:50 · answer #4 · answered by gfminis 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My not so very scientific explanation; the object in question does not revolve around it's axis anymore.
2007-06-20 14:11:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋