What Is the Near Side of the Moon?
The near side of the Moon, as shown in the image, is the hemisphere permanently visible from Earth due to tidal locking. This phenomenon means we only see one side of the Moon throughout its orbit around our planet.
Why Do We Only See One Side?
This alignment occurs because the Moon’s rotational period matches its orbital period around Earth. As a result, the same face—known as the near side—remains toward us, while the far side remains hidden from direct observation from our planet.
Key Features of the Near Side:
- Dominance of large dark basaltic plains (maria)
- Relatively fewer impact craters compared to the far side
- Presence of prominent mountain ranges like the Apennine Mountains
Source: NASA Image Library
