How can rotation with same phase be possible?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of rotation in celestial bodies, specifically focusing on the moon's rotation and its synchronous orbit with Earth, which results in the same face being visible from Earth. Participants explore the implications of this phenomenon and question how rotation can occur without a visible change in phase.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question how the moon can rotate while maintaining the same phase, seeking an explanation for this phenomenon.
  • One participant asserts that the moon's rotation is necessary to keep the same face towards Earth, implying a relationship between rotation and visibility.
  • Another participant clarifies that the moon's phases are determined by the Sun-Moon-Earth angle and that the rotation of the moon on its axis does not affect its phases.
  • There is a suggestion that the discussion has been previously addressed in another thread, indicating some redundancy in the inquiry.
  • A participant expresses frustration over the repetition of the question, referencing an earlier discussion where the topic was covered.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of confusion and clarification regarding the relationship between the moon's rotation and its phases. While some points are clarified, the overall discussion remains unresolved with differing perspectives on the implications of the moon's synchronous rotation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of rotation and visibility, as well as the relationship between the moon's rotation and its phases, which may not be fully articulated or agreed upon by all participants.

akashpandey
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How can we calculate the rotation without seeing change of phase of object like in case of moon,we see the same phase of moon but how it can be rotating.
So rotation without change of phase is possible if yes or no than how and why ?.
 
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akashpandey said:
How can we calculate the rotation without seeing change of phase of object like in case of moon,we see the same phase of moon but how it can be rotating.
So rotation without change of phase is possible if yes or no than how and why ?.
The moon rotates around the Earth. If it did not rotate on its axis, how could it keep the same face towards the Earth?
 
So rotation depends on what face you are seeing?
Or moon's rotation is different kind of rotation?
 
The phase of the moon depends on the angle Sun-Moon-Earth...

moon angle.jpg


This changes with a cycle lasting about 28 days because that's how long the moon takes to orbit the earth.

The phase of the moon does not depend on the rotation of the moon about it's own axis. The light and dark areas are not painted onto the surface of the moon :-)
 
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akashpandey said:
How can we calculate the rotation without seeing change of phase of object like in case of moon,we see the same phase of moon but how it can be rotating.
So rotation without change of phase is possible if yes or no than how and why ?.

why are we discussing this again ?

in your other thread in the astronomy section
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/spin-or-rotation-of-moon.907744/

this was all answered for youDave
 
Please do not create duplicate threads. If there is anything you still don't understand, just ask in the thread you already have. Thread locked.
 

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