We always see the same side of the Moon because a. the Moon does not rotate on its axis. b. the Moon rotates on its axis once for each revolution around Earth. c. when the other side of the Moon is facing Earth, it is unlit. d. when the other side of the Moon is facing Earth, it is on the opposite side of Earth. e. none of the above

Tidal locking is the phenomenon that explains why we always see the same side of the Moon from Earth.
Over time, Earth's gravitational forces have slowed down the Moon's rotation to match its orbit.
This means it takes the Moon the same amount of time to complete one rotation on its axis as it does to orbit once around Earth.
This synchronization causes one hemisphere of the Moon to always face Earth while the other side remains unseen, often called the 'dark side' of the Moon, although it is also illuminated by the Sun periodically.
Tidal locking is a common occurrence in our solar system, affecting other moons and even some planets.

Synchronous rotation refers to the state where a moon's rotational period matches its orbital period around its planet.
For the Moon, this means it takes approximately 27.3 days to both rotate on its axis and circle Earth.
Due to this synchronous rotation, we only ever see one side of the Moon.
Synchronous rotation is a direct outcome of tidal locking.
Gravitational interactions between the Moon and Earth have led to this stable configuration, ensuring we can't view the far side of the Moon without sending a spacecraft.
This concept is fundamental to understanding the consistent view we have of the Moon.

The Moon phases are different appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth, caused by its varying positions in its orbit around Earth.
There are eight primary phases: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.
These phases result from changes in the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
During a New Moon, the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, making the side facing Earth dark.
A Full Moon occurs when Earth is between the Moon and the Sun, and the side of the Moon facing Earth is fully illuminated.
The cycle from one New Moon to the next lasts about 29.5 days, slightly longer than the Moon's orbital period due to Earth's continuous movement around the Sun.