Mankind’s Explanation: The Moon's Rotation

   

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Rotation. The moon rotates completely on its axis (an imaginary line through its north and south poles) only once during each trip around the earth. The moon rotates from west to east, the same direction that it travels around the earth. At its equator, the moon rotates at a speed of about 10 miles (16 kilometers) per hour. When you look up at the moon, you always see the same side. The moon is held in this position by gravitational forces. We know that the moon is rotating because we can see only one side of it. If the moon did not rotate, we would be able to see its entire surface.

 

All rights Reserved: © World Book 2001

 

Paul Gorenstein, "Moon," World Book Online Americas Edition, http://www.aolsvc.worldbook.aol.com/wbol/wbPage/na/ar/co/370060, May 11, 2001.

 

 

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