What effect allows observers on Earth to eventually see approximately 59% of the lunar surface over time?
Answer
Libration
Although tidal locking keeps one face generally pointed towards Earth, the Moon's orbit is not perfectly circular, and its axis has slight irregularities relative to the orbital plane. These minor variations cause a barely perceptible rocking or nodding motion known as libration. Over the course of a lunar month, libration allows Earth-bound observers to slightly peek around the eastern, western, northern, and southern edges of the Moon. This cumulative effect means that an observer can view about 59% of the total lunar surface over time, rather than the theoretical 50% expected from perfect synchronization.
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