Why We See Only One Side of the Moon’s Surface

There’s a swath of our natural satellite that always faces away from our planet. The reason relates to the nature of the moon’s movement.

By Sam Walters
Jul 11, 2024 1:00 PM
Image of the Far Side of the Moon from the Galileo Solid State Imaging System
(Credit: NASA/JPL) The surface of the far side of the moon is far from familiar since it isn’t fully visible from the surface of our own planet.

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Take a moment to imagine the moon, conjuring its speckled surface inside your mind. Think of its imperfections, its spots and splotches, carved out and cratered from the impacts of asteroids, meteorites, and comets. Chances are that your imagination conjured something surprisingly similar to mine, and to the imaginations of countless others.

The reason for this similarity is simple: We almost always see the same surface when we stare at the moon, the same patterns of craters and cavities, thanks to the way that the moon moves, rotating and revolving around Earth. So, what about the other surface of our only natural satellite? Why is there a far side of the moon, and why is it so unfamiliar?


Read More: Our Moon on Earth


0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.