What gravitational effect caused the Moon's rotation period to exactly match its orbital period?
Answer
Tidal locking (synchronous rotation)
The phenomenon responsible for the Moon always showing the same face to Earth is known as tidal locking, or synchronous rotation. This occurred over billions of years when the Moon was closer to Earth. The strong gravitational influence exerted by Earth created tidal forces that acted as a continuous brake on the Moon’s rotation. This braking action slowed the Moon's spin rate until its time taken to rotate once on its axis was perfectly equal to the time it takes to complete one full orbit around our planet. This synchronization ensures a fixed perspective from Earth.
#Videos
WHY CAN'T WE SEE THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON? - YouTube
Related Questions
What gravitational effect caused the Moon's rotation period to exactly match its orbital period?When Earth observers see a New Moon, what is happening on the Moon's far side regarding sunlight?What geological feature characterizes the near side of the Moon as distinct from the far side?What distinguishes the lunar highlands that dominate the far side terrain?What is the primary structural reason cited for the scarcity of lunar maria on the far side?Which Soviet spacecraft achieved the first visual confirmation of the lunar far side in October 1959?Due to the phenomenon of libration, what approximate percentage of the Moon's total surface can eventually be seen from Earth?Why is the communication path for the Chinese Chang'e 4 mission on the far side reliant on the relay satellite Queqiao?How long, in Earth days, is the Moon's orbital period that matches its rotation period?What inherent advantage might the rugged far side offer for future long-term lunar habitats?