Dictionary term
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.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Also appears in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Quick reference
- Use when
- Distinguish synchronous rotation from zero rotation and account for libration.
- Do not use it for
- Not every tidally evolved body ends in a one-to-one resonance.
- Reference category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related terms
- Hill Sphere, Roche Limit, Orbital Perturbation, Astronomical Seeing
The story behind Tidal Locking
Tidal-friction theory explained how spin energy can evolve toward resonant states.
Tidal Locking in spiritual tradition
The Great Almanac frames Tidal Locking with educational restraint. Mystical or symbolic language may be meaningful, but it should not be exaggerated into certainty, panic, or permission to ignore ordinary responsibility.
Tidal Locking in the Bible
This is a factual astronomy reference. It can support wonder at the created order without becoming a claim of fate, worship, or private revelation.
Tidal Locking in numerology
Tidal Locking is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Tidal Locking matters
It explains the Moon’s familiar near side and many satellite spin states.
Example in a reading: The Moon rotates once per orbit, so it is not motionless.
Interpretive caution: Not every tidally evolved body ends in a one-to-one resonance.
How Tidal Locking is used in a reading
Distinguish synchronous rotation from zero rotation and account for libration.
Where interpretation stops
Tidal Locking is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
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.
The page starts with a direct definition, then separates use, example, caution, spiritual meaning, and historical context. For astrology, occult, demonology, curse, and spiritual warfare terms, the editorial rule is to explain the term without making fear-based, fatalistic, medical, legal, financial, or ritual-instruction claims.
Continue learning
Continue from the definition into current sky positions, space weather, and the live collective celestial view.
Open Worldwide WatchRelated terms
These related entries help place Tidal Locking inside a wider reference cluster instead of leaving it as a standalone keyword.
