Question

Explain why we always see the same side of the moon.

Answer 1

Part 1. Sides of the moon:

1. Tidal forces originating from the earth have slowed the moon's rotation to the point where the same side is always facing the earth.
2. This phenomenon is called tidal locking. The other face, most of that is never visible from the earth, is called the "far side of the Moon".

Part 2. Explanation

1. The revolution period of the moon around the earth is equal to its rotation about its axis.
2. So it is only one side that is visible to us. This phenomenon is also known as synchronous rotation.
3. Moon takes nearly $27.3$days to do a complete revolution of the earth.
4. A full moon is visible when the earth is between the sun and the moon.

Hence, as moon’s revolution period around the earth is equal to the rotation period of the moon about its axis. As a result, the same side of the moon is visible.