Tidal Locking - Why Do We Only See One Side of the Moon?

In 1959, Luna 3 revealed the moon's far side. The moon's synchronous rotation and orbit mean we only see one side. Initially, the moon's spin and orbit were not aligned, but Earth's gravity synchronized them over 1,000 years. We see some of the far side due to the moon's elliptical orbit and tilted axis, but 41% remains hidden. Satellites have mapped the unseen areas, but our view of the moon is still limited.

What was the significant achievement of the Soviet spacecraft Luna 3 in 1959?

• It landed on the moon.

• It measured the moon's temperature.

• It captured images of the moon's far side.

• It discovered water on the moon.

Why do we always see the same side of the moon from Earth?

• The moon does not rotate.

• The moon's orbit is elliptical.

• The moon's rotation and orbit are synchronized.

• The moon rotates faster than it orbits Earth.

What is believed to have caused the initial formation of the moon?

• A collision with another planet.

• A massive asteroid impact.

• A gravitational pull from the sun.

• A volcanic eruption on Earth.

How did Earth's gravity affect the moon's rotation over time?

• It synchronized the moon's rotation with its orbit.

• It stopped the moon from rotating.

• It sped up the moon's rotation.

• It caused the moon to rotate in the opposite direction.

What percentage of the moon remains hidden from Earth despite its elliptical orbit and tilted axis?

• 9%

• 41%

• 50%

• 59%