NASA revealed why the two sides of the Moon are so different from each other

NASA scientists revealed the secret of the "two-faced" Moon: Earth's gravity changed the appearance of the satellite

According to the results of a recent study, Earth's tidal forces have deformed the Moon, making its side facing us more convex. Since the satellite rotates synchronously with Earth, the same part of its surface is constantly subjected to powerful attraction, Reuters reported.

This deformation not only changed the shape of the Moon but also affected its internal structure and thermal balance. According to scientists, on the side facing Earth, the temperature in the deep layers and on the surface may be higher by 100-200 degrees compared to the far side. In addition, this region is characterized by complex crater terrain that resulted from active volcanism in ancient times.

It was previously reported that the formation of the World Ocean on Earth could be related to the formation of the Moon. According to one hypothesis, our planet collided with a celestial body the size of Mars - the so-called Theia - which gave rise not only to the satellite but also to many features of Earth itself.