Sky science
Tidal Locking
Direct answer
Tidal Locking is a rotational state in which tidal evolution makes one body keep nearly the same face toward another.
It synchronizes rotation with orbital motion.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related
- Hill Sphere, Roche Limit, Orbital Perturbation, Astronomical Seeing
It synchronizes rotation with orbital motion.
A scientific orientation to scale, light, or motion; the article supplies the precise definition.
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The story behind Tidal Locking
Tidal-friction theory explained how spin energy can evolve toward resonant states.
A one-minute story
The Wandering Stars
How the moving planets were watched, named and found, and what a transit is.
Why Tidal Locking matters
Tidal Locking explains the Moon’s familiar near side and many satellite spin states.
Where readings of Tidal Locking go wrong
Not every tidally evolved body ends in a one-to-one resonance.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- NASA Science: Moon Phases - NASA explanation and visualization of lunar phases and libration.
- NASA Science: Solar System Exploration - NASA overview of planets, moons, small bodies, rings, and the structure of the Solar System.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
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Common questions
What is Tidal Locking?
Tidal Locking is a rotational state in which tidal evolution makes one body keep nearly the same face toward another.
What do people get wrong about Tidal Locking?
Not every tidally evolved body ends in a one-to-one resonance.
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