When Earth observers see a New Moon, what is happening on the Moon's far side regarding sunlight?
Answer
The far side is fully illuminated by the Sun.
The term 'dark side of the Moon' is a misnomer because the far side experiences a complete cycle of day and night, just like the near side we view. Specifically, during the phase known as the New Moon, the Moon is situated between the Sun and the Earth from our perspective. This alignment means that the Sun's rays are shining directly onto the hemisphere facing away from Earth—the far side. Therefore, when we see the New Moon as a dark silhouette or a thin sliver, the far side is actually experiencing midday sunlight.
#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?