How much of the Moon’s area can be seen from the Earth’s surface?
A) 39% B) 50% C) 59% ü D) 74%
When the Moon is full, half (50%) of its area is visible. Since the far side remains permanently hidden, that would seem to be that. However, irregularities called librations in the Moon’s orbit cause the satellite to wobble slightly. By bringing us slightly different views from one occasion to the next, the librations increase the total viewable area by nearly ten per cent.