This question originally came from the Ask Me A Question blog, where it was submitted by George Maven. We are opening it up here as a forum discussion as well.
People often say "dark side of the Moon", but they usually mean the far side of the Moon. The far side is the side we do not normally see from Earth. It is not permanently dark.George Maven wrote: OK, wise guy - what is on the dark side of the Moon? I bet you cannot answer this one, buster! Answer correctly, and I will buy you a Mars Bar!
The Moon rotates as it orbits Earth, which means the same near side usually faces us. The far side still receives sunlight during its own lunar day, so "dark side" is more of a popular phrase than a precise description.
A few points to discuss:
- Why do so many people still say "dark side of the Moon"?
- Did you know the far side gets sunlight too?
- What facts or myths have you heard about the Moon's far side?
- Would you like to see a human mission land there one day?
- Do phrases like this confuse people, or are they harmless shorthand?
What Is On The Dark Side Of The Moon?
Add your thoughts below.