Post A73bd7S1VBGlLEpaKm by evilscientistca@octodon.social
 (DIR) More posts by evilscientistca@octodon.social
 (DIR) Post #A73bd2ahZUEyGhqwfQ by evilscientistca@octodon.social
       2021-05-07T00:39:16Z
       
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       The Moon is tidally locked to the Earth, that is we see the same side of the Moon throughout its orbit about the Earth. That means that its period of rotation on its axis is the same as its orbital period and that it rotates once on its axis per orbit.
       
 (DIR) Post #A73bd46HxX6KwxdgXY by space_cadet@aus.social
       2021-05-07T02:41:35Z
       
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       @evilscientistca So is this a cosmic coincidence, or is it the natural consequence of some gravitational forces that aren't well known? Eg if the moon's centre of mass is not at the same point as its centre of gravity relative to the Earth, so it rocked gently backward & forward until it stabilised? I'm just guessing but, using an analogy of a boat/ship staying upright, it makes quasi-logical sense.
       
 (DIR) Post #A73bd7S1VBGlLEpaKm by evilscientistca@octodon.social
       2021-05-08T14:28:36Z
       
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       @space_cadet The crust is thinner on the near side so denser and more massive than the far side. This is what is causing the tidal lock.