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.
It synchronizes rotation with orbital motion.
A scientific orientation to scale, light, or motion; the article supplies the precise definition.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
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The story behind Tidal Locking
Tidal-friction theory explained how spin energy can evolve toward resonant states.
Tidal Locking: fact and faith, kept distinct
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.
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.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Also appears in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
See why the Moon keeps one face
Tidal Locking in a book is one thing; Tidal Locking in your own birth chart is your life. The Oracle casts your real chart and tells you what it means for your love, your work, and your year ahead, in conversation, free.
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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.
How is Tidal Locking used in an almanac?
Distinguish synchronous rotation from zero rotation and account for libration.
What should I avoid when interpreting Tidal Locking?
Not every tidally evolved body ends in a one-to-one resonance.
