The face of the moon refers to the side of the moon that is visible from Earth. Interestingly, this side is often called the ‘near side’ of the moon, while the side that faces away from us is known as the ‘far side’.
This phenomenon occurs because of a process known as synchronous rotation, where the moon takes the same amount of time to rotate on its axis as it does to orbit Earth. As a result, one hemisphere of the moon is perpetually facing us.
The near side of the moon is characterized by its distinct features, including several large, dark plains known as ‘maria’, which were formed by ancient volcanic activity. In contrast, the far side of the moon, which was first glimpsed by humans in 1959, is more rugged and has a different structure of craters and highlands.
Understanding the face of the moon not only satisfies our curiosity but also plays a significant role in lunar studies and space exploration. The visible features on the moon have been vital in helping us learn about its geological history and the broader dynamics of our solar system.