Mysterious Spin of the Moon: How Does it Change?

  • Thread starter Thread starter whatdofisheat
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Moon Spin
AI Thread Summary
The Moon is tidally locked to Earth, meaning it rotates on its axis at the same rate it orbits Earth, resulting in the same side always facing us. Over the next 2000 years, this orientation will not change, as the Moon's rotation remains synchronized with its orbit. However, the Moon's elliptical orbit causes it to wobble slightly, allowing us to see about 60% of its surface. The gravitational forces between the Earth and Moon contribute to this tidal locking, which is a common phenomenon observed with moons of other planets. Understanding the dynamics of this relationship raises further questions about the causes of tidal locking and its implications for other celestial bodies.
whatdofisheat
Messages
24
Reaction score
0
i have been thinking about how the moon always faces Earth from the same side. this means that the moon spins once per rotaion but how perfect is this does the side of the moon that we see slowley change over time or in 2000 years will we be looking at the other side. the spin of the Earth is slowing down and i wonder if the moon is slowing it spin as well and by how much
thanks
fish
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
It's tidally locked to the Earth. In 2000 years, we'll be staring at the same side too. As the Earth's rotation slows, the Moon's response is to climb into a higher orbit.

Since the Moon's orbit is elliptical and not circular, its rotation can not keep perfect pace with its orbit. This causes it to appear to wobble a little bit, so we can actually see about 60% of its surface from Earth.
 
why is it locked to the Earth or how is it locked to the Earth is a better question I am sure asking why could open a hole other can of beans
 
Tidally locked means that the gravitational field varies by position: it is lopsided!
 
ok what would cause this lopsidedniss and is this comon for moons on other planets?
 

Thread 'How feasible is home radio astronomy?'

Is a homemade radio telescope realistic? There seems to be a confluence of multiple technologies that makes the situation better than when I was a wee lad: software-defined radio (SDR), the easy availability of satellite dishes, surveillance drives, and fast CPUs. Let's take a step back - it is trivial to see the sun in radio. An old analog TV, a set of "rabbit ears" antenna, and you're good to go. Point the antenna at the sun (i.e. the ears are perpendicular to it) and there is...
View full post »

Thread 'Our Beautiful Universe - Photos and Videos'

This thread is dedicated to the beauty and awesomeness of our Universe. If you feel like it, please share video clips and photos (or nice animations) of space and objects in space in this thread. Your posts, clips and photos may by all means include scientific information; that does not make it less beautiful to me (n.b. the posts must of course comply with the PF guidelines, i.e. regarding science, only mainstream science is allowed, fringe/pseudoscience is not allowed). n.b. I start this...
View full post »

Similar threads

I Nature paper on Moon's initial evolution - Tidally driven remelting
Replies
1
Views
2K
B Can a Planet Have a Moon that Never Casts a Shadow?
Replies
19
Views
3K
B For Lack of a Better Term....Moon Motion
Replies
18
Views
3K
I Tidal effects on Earth's rotation and moon's orbit
Replies
10
Views
4K
B Why does the moon appear to rock back and forth in the sky?
Replies
2
Views
2K
I Would the rogue planet in this picture slow Earths spin?
Replies
14
Views
3K
Is the moon orbiting the earth at the same speed that earth spins?
Replies
5
Views
12K
I Mysterious Agent Blows Up Moon: Can Earth Survive?
Replies
9
Views
4K
How Did Earth's Rotation Change After the Moon's Formation?
Replies
19
Views
2K
Tidal friction and global warming
Replies
10
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top