Go

Post

Find

Notify

Tools

Reply

Admin

New PM!

edgeview	Posted What % of the moon can be seen from earth?
	Posts: 183 | Location: mi | Registered: 08-19-04

Professor Platinum Enthusiast	Posted Hide Post The "near side" of the moon always faces Earth, because the moon's rotation is locked to its orbital motion around the Earth. So the quick answer is "50%." In reality, I seem to recall that it's a little more than 50% owing to some east-west wobble as seen from the Earth. Sorry, no sources -- I'll defer to others for an authoritative answer.
	Posts: 2221 | Location: U.S. | Registered: 06-03-02

Ignored post by Professor posted Show Post

decal Diamond Enthusiast

Posted Hide Post Surprisingly more than a little... Q5. What percentage of the Moon's surface is visible from the Earth? A5. 59% due to a phenomenon called libration. (The Moon's orbit is not a perfect circle, so at some points in its orbit, it is turned slightly eastward, and at other points it is turned slightly westward, allowing us to see more than 50% of its surface from the Earth.) http://home.adelphia.net/~chassler/trivia_quiz100.html

Posts: 161 | Location: San Antonio, TX US of A | Registered: 06-03-02

Ignored post by decal posted Show Post

Professor Platinum Enthusiast	Posted Hide Post Thanks to decal, and armed with the word libration, I found a couple of other sites: Stargazing.net gives a full explanation; and here is a striking animation clearing showing the wobble (which is both longitudinal as well as lateral).
	Posts: 2221 | Location: U.S. | Registered: 06-03-02

Ignored post by Professor posted Show Post

Powered by Social Strata

Reply

© 2002-2010 AnswerPool.com
All Rights Reserved
Using This Site Means You Accept Its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Close Cover Before Striking
3D Glasses Required for Optimal Viewing
Now in HD and Surround Sound
Offer Void Where Prohibited by Law
There's a Bathroom on the Right
Caution - Objects May Be Closer Than They Appear
Anything You Post May Be Used Against You in the Court of Public Opinion
Notice: All Employees and Customers Are Required to Wash Their Hands and Feet Before Posting by the Board of Health