Rotating Moon
Posted in Astronomy at 23:00 on 18 September 2013
Since it’s tidally locked to its parent planet people from Earth do not normally see the Moon rotating. However the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has built up a series of pictures allowing a video of the rotating Moon to be compiled. This video was Astronomy Picture of the Day for 16/9/13.
It starts with the familiar view from Earth – a side which has an abundance of dark areas known as maria which are relatively low-lying – then the rotation shows the “far” side as much lighter in colour. This lightness is due to lunar highlands.
Tags: APOD, Astronomy, Astronomy Picture of the Day, the Moon
Denis Cullinan
18 September 2013 at 23:37
Coincidentally, I just saw this on NASA’s APOD (Astronomy Picture Of the Day) site.
As a ha-ha teacher of science, I’ve heard the Moon’s far side called the “dark side” dozens of times. One student thought that the Moon was the size of a U.S. nickel (or a U.K. penny piece). Great, just great.
jackdeighton
19 September 2013 at 23:02
What’s a ha-ha teacher, Denis? I’m wondering if I’m one myself.