ByJamie Carter,
Senior Contributor.
The dark side of the moon is real — but it’s probably not what you think.
There’s always an unseen side to the moon because it’s tidally locked to Earth, so it rotates just once during its monthly orbit. Consequently, we always see the same features on the moon, leading many to ponder what’s on its dark side.
That question is flawed, commonly referring to its far side, the side we never see — but it’s no darker than the side facing us. Half of the moon is always illuminated by the sun, as it orbits Earth, we see a different percentage lit. This week, a narrow crescent moon is growing in the western sky after dark, beginning its 29-day journey around Earth. Right now, its far side is almost entirely lit up. Only briefly during the next full moon on Dec. 4 will its far side be completely dark.
