The Dark Side of the Moon

Humans have a tendency to label one side of the moon as the 'dark side', which is a misunderstanding.

Technically, both the near and far side of the moon see equal amounts of light over time.

However, the moon is tidally locked with Earth, meaning the same side always faces us.

Therefore, we never get to view the other side from Earth - which is what led people to call it the 'dark side'.

This term was popularized by the Pink Floyd album, 'The Dark Side of the Moon.' Yet in space-travel context, 'far side' is the correct term, as all sides of the moon do receive sunlight.

Interestingly, the 'far side' differs in appearance with much fewer seas of volcanic rock, known as 'maria,' than the near side.

This fact has intrigued scientists, leading to theories that the moon's halves formed under different conditions..