Dark Side Of The Moon
What is dark side of the moon?
Key facts
The dark side of the Moon refers to the far side, the hemisphere that always faces away from Earth.
Context
The term 'dark side of the Moon' is a misnomer, as the far side receives sunlight. It is called 'dark' because it is unseen from Earth. The Moon is tidally locked, so the same face, the near side, always faces Earth. The far side, or The Far Side, never fully comes into view from Earth’s surface [1].
Documented claims
- The Moon is tidally locked, so the same face stays generally toward Earth. [1]
- The far side never fully comes into view from Earth’s surface. [1]
- The phrase 'dark side of the Moon' is misleading if taken to mean permanently lightless. [1]
- Astronomers prefer 'far side' to avoid confusion. [3]
- The phrase has also been used metaphorically to mean something mysterious or unknown. [2]
Questions and answers
What is so special about the dark side of the Moon?
The dark side of the Moon is special because it is always facing away from Earth and is unseen from our planet. It receives sunlight, but it is mysterious and unexplored compared to the near side [1].
Why is it called the dark side of the Moon?
It is called the dark side of the Moon because it is unseen from Earth, not because it is permanently dark. The term is a misnomer as the far side does receive sunlight [1].
Sources
- Is the “Dark Side of the Moon” Actually Dark? — airandspace.si.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- What Is Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon Really About? ... — esquire.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- See The Dark Side Of The Moon Definition — yourdictionary.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)