Talk:Near side of the Moon

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[edit] Infobox

I propose removing the infobox. It is found on the main page Moon, and besides, it is somewhat awkward as it is below all of the text. Lunokhod 19:54, 15 November 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Orientation of the Moon

I have two questions about the text. First

"Note that west and east on the Moon are were you would expect them, when standing on the Moon. But when we, on Earth, see the Moon in the sky, then the east — west direction is just reversed."

I don't understand this. Could someone tell me why west is not west in the sky? The image of the Moon that is shown is in "the sky", and to a non-astronomer, west should be to the left, just as it would be as labeled on any map of the Moon.

Second,

"On the equator, when the Moon rises in the east, its N — S axis appears horizontal and Mare Foecunditatis is on top. When it sets in the west, about 12.5 hours later, the axis is still horizontal, and Oceanus Procellarum is the last area to dip below the horizon. In between these events, the Moon reached its highest point in the zenith and then its selenographic directions are lined up with those on Earth."

This is not at all clear. It is also not clear if the author is taking into account the axial tilt of the Earth. Lunokhod 18:56, 2 December 2006 (UTC)

I totally agree with these questions. I don't get what's going on. Is it presumed that one looks at the moon is always located more or less due south (north in southern hemisphere)? A diagram showing a viewer on earth and the cardinal directions on the moon and earth would be helpful. 06:06, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] what????

"The near side of the Moon is the lunar hemisphere that is permanently turned towards the Earth, whereas the opposite side is the far side of the Moon. This effect is due to the fact that the near side of the Moon is heavier," —Preceding unsigned comment added by 164.92.175.76 (talk) 15:59, 25 February 2008 (UTC)