The moon rotates about the earth in such a way that only one hemisphere of the moon faces the earth (figure 10-Q1). Can we ever see the “other face” of the moon from the earth? Can a person on the moon ever see all the faces of the earth?

Question

The moon rotates about the earth in such a way that only one hemisphere of the moon faces the earth (figure 10-Q1). Can we ever see the “other face” of the moon from the earth? Can a person on the moon ever see all the faces of the earth?

Philoid · Accepted Answer

We will never see the other face of the moon. Because, only one hemisphere of the moon is facing the earth.

But all the faces of earth are visible from the moon.

Because the time period of rotation (27 days) and revolution (27.322 days) of the moon are approximately the same. But earth’s spinning time is around 24 hours. So, the person on the bright side can see all the faces of the earth.