What percentage of the Moon’s surface becomes visible over time due to libration?
Answer
Up to about 59% of the Moon’s surface.
Libration, the slight rocking motion of the Moon, is significant because it increases the total portion of the lunar surface visible from Earth over a period. While the Moon is tidally locked presenting roughly 50% of its surface, libration grants an additional viewing advantage. This cumulative effect allows observers to eventually glimpse up to approximately 59% of the Moon's total surface area. This extra visibility, amounting to about 9% beyond the static view, is what makes the far side technically the 'far side' rather than the 'permanently hidden side' in the strictest sense, enabling views of the edges, including portions of the lunar limb.
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