The Real Shape of the Moon's Orbit.

From: Science Scope | Date: December 1, 2006| Author: | Copyright information

Byline: Bob Riddle

In the typical Moon phase lesson, students learn that the rotation period for the Moon is approximately the same as its revolution period around the Earth. This is a situation known as synchronous rotation-where the rotation period is the same as the orbital period. A conclusion drawn from this similarity is that the Moon always has the same side toward the Earth. While that may be correct, it does give rise to the perception that the Moon revolves around the Earth, when in reality the Earth and Moon together revolve around the Sun. It is only from our ...

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