Tidal Locking: Moons Stuck in Spin

Earth’s Moon always shows one face because of tidal locking.

Tidal forces gradually synchronize a moon’s rotation with its orbit, so one side constantly faces its planet. This is common for large moons in the solar system.

Why This Matters

Tidal locking affects climate and surface conditions on moons.

It also helps astronomers predict rotational periods of exoplanets and moons.

Did You Know?

Most of Jupiter’s large moons are tidally locked to the planet.

Source

[NASA, nasa.gov]

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