Chapter 32, Problem 10TE

If we never see the back side of the Moon, would an observer on the back side of the Moon ever see Earth?

To determine

Whether an observer present on back side of Moon can ever see the Earth or not.

Answer to Problem 10TE

It is not possible to see the Earth from the black side of Moon.

Explanation of Solution

The rotation of Moon and its rotational speed with respect to Earth is same that is one month, so we can only see the one phase of the Moon because of its low rotation speed. The gravitational force between Moon and the Earth will become higher when Moon is close to Earth, it results in tidally locking of the Moon.

The Moon is not completely tide locked to Earth, it wobbles slightly. However, it is not facing one side continuously, but still, we can’t see the far side of Moon. We can able to see only $59\%$ of the Moon from the Earth. Thus, an observer who is on the black side of the Moon cannot ever see the Earth.

Conclusion:

Therefore, it is not possible to see the Earth from the black side of Moon.