What gravitational phenomenon causes the Moon to always present the same face toward Earth?
Answer
Tidal locking
The phenomenon responsible for the Moon always showing the same face to Earth is called tidal locking. This is a gravitational relationship where the Moon's rotational period matches its orbital period around Earth. Because of this synchronous rotation, the side we see—the near side—is perpetually oriented toward our planet. Consequently, the opposite surface, the far side, never faces Earth. If an observer were standing on the far side, the Earth would never be visible in their sky, regardless of the time or position in orbit.
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