Near Side

Definition

The near side of the Moon refers to the hemisphere of the Moon that constantly faces the Earth, making it the most visible and well-studied portion of the lunar surface. This side of the Moon is the one we observe from Earth, as the Moon's rotation and revolution are synchronized, causing the same face to always be oriented towards our planet.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The near side of the Moon is the only part of the lunar surface that can be directly observed from Earth.
2. The near side is characterized by a higher concentration of large, dark, basaltic plains known as maria, which are the result of ancient volcanic activity.
3. The near side contains the majority of the Moon's major geological features, including mountain ranges, craters, and other impact features.
4. Due to the Moon's synchronous rotation, the near side experiences the full range of lunar phases, from new Moon to full Moon, as observed from Earth.
5. The near side is the primary target for lunar exploration and study, as it is the most accessible and well-known portion of the Moon.

Review Questions

• Explain the relationship between the near side of the Moon and the Moon's synchronous rotation.
  • The near side of the Moon is the hemisphere that constantly faces the Earth due to the Moon's synchronous rotation. This means that the Moon's rotation period, the time it takes to complete one rotation on its axis, is exactly equal to its orbital period, the time it takes to complete one revolution around the Earth. This synchronization causes the same side of the Moon to always be oriented towards the Earth, making the near side the most visible and well-studied portion of the lunar surface.
• Describe the key geological features and characteristics of the near side of the Moon.
  • The near side of the Moon is characterized by a higher concentration of large, dark, basaltic plains known as maria, which are the result of ancient volcanic activity. This side of the Moon also contains the majority of the Moon's major geological features, including mountain ranges, craters, and other impact features. These features make the near side the primary target for lunar exploration and study, as it is the most accessible and well-known portion of the lunar surface.
• Analyze the significance of the near side of the Moon in the context of lunar exploration and our understanding of the Moon.
  • The near side of the Moon is of critical importance in the context of lunar exploration and our understanding of the Moon. Since the near side is the only part of the lunar surface that can be directly observed from Earth, it has been the focus of extensive study and exploration efforts. The wealth of information and data gathered from the near side has provided invaluable insights into the Moon's formation, composition, and geological history, which have in turn enhanced our overall understanding of the Earth-Moon system and the evolution of the Solar System. The accessibility and visibility of the near side have made it the primary target for lunar missions, including the historic Apollo program, which has significantly advanced our scientific knowledge and exploration capabilities.

Related terms

Far Side: The far side of the Moon is the hemisphere of the lunar surface that permanently faces away from the Earth, and is not directly observable from our planet.

Lunar Libration: Lunar libration is the slight rocking or oscillating motion of the Moon, which allows us to observe slightly more than 50% of the lunar surface over time, revealing a bit of the far side.

Synchronous Rotation: Synchronous rotation is the phenomenon where the Moon's rotation period is equal to its orbital period around the Earth, causing the same side of the Moon to always face the Earth.