What phenomenon is responsible for the Moon always presenting the same face toward the Earth?
Answer
Tidal locking (synchronous rotation)
The reason the Moon always shows us the same hemisphere is due to tidal locking, also known as synchronous rotation. This occurs over vast astronomical time scales due to the mutual gravitational interaction between the Earth and the Moon. This interaction has gradually slowed the Moon's rotational rate until its time taken to spin once on its axis precisely matches the time it takes to complete one full orbit around the Earth. This precise synchronization ensures that the orientation relative to Earth remains constant, tethering one hemisphere towards our planet.
#Videos
WHY CAN'T WE SEE THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON? - YouTube
Why Is The Far Side Of The Moon So Different? - YouTube
Related Questions
What term correctly describes the Moon area perpetually hidden from direct view on Earth?What phenomenon is responsible for the Moon always presenting the same face toward the Earth?How long does the Moon take to complete one rotation on its axis compared to its orbital period around Earth?What striking geological disparity exists regarding maria coverage between the Near Side and the Far Side?Which massive impact structure prominently dominates the heavily cratered terrain of the Far Side?What effect allows observers on Earth to eventually see approximately 59% of the lunar surface over time?Which Soviet Union probe transmitted the very first photographs of the lunar far side in October 1959?Which mission's astronauts were the first humans to witness the Far Side directly without instrumental mediation in 1968?Why is landing a probe on the Far Side significantly more complex than landing on the Near Side?What percentage of the Moon's surface area is considered the truly permanently hidden zone, accounting for libration?