If the moon is not a spinning object, then why do we see it changing angles?

[willcoverting]

If this is a stupid question, please don't shoot me down...

But, as far as I'm aware with my limited scientific knowledge, the Moon does not spin. We have not seen the dark side of the Moon. The Moon is a satellite to our planet and Earth spins which gives us our 24 hour cycle, right?

If so, the Moon should not change angles, whatsoever? The only effect on it's look is whether you're viewing it from the Northern or Southern hemisphere.

Why is it that the moon phase sites show it should look like a banana, when sometimes I look at it and it's like an 'n' shape?

Also, if you look at some of the shots or videos, it's almost like the Moon is on a 90-degree angle, but for an object that doesn't move, this should be impossible, right?

Sources:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4FlElhom7w

http://globalrumblings.blogspot.com/2011/02/media-blackout-regarding-earth-and-moon.html

[Barrykgerdes]

Yes the moon does spin. It does one revolution every lunar month. This is in syncronisation with the earth such that it always has the same side facing us.

Because the moons orbit is eccentric it has an apparent slow down and speed up to the viewer on earth such that we actually can see more than half of the moon's surface. This is called libration.

Barry

[DavidU]

Here is a great video showing libration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmQ8r_dL9wg

[KenGee]

Don't bother guys this nut is of the 2012 world will end flavour. Can we jump to 2013 it's only going to worst.

[renormalised]

Since you have an exceptionally limited knowledge of science, by your own admission, I'll give you some advice...completely and utterly forget anything you're being told by these "end of days", "2012" and other sites. They are some of the worst of prattling pseudoscience and are designed and promoted by people with even less scientific knowledge and/or understanding than yourself. Don't even bother joining them...you'll only get confused and mislead by people who think they know something no one else does and then get up on their soapbox and preach it to all and sundry. Quite frankly, their knowledge of science hasn't gotten past grade 1 in primary school and they're deluded in their ridiculous beliefs.

[wasyoungonce]

Agree..his links have basis of facts of this because of planet X...thus..he is in the realms of alchemy and unicorns!

[CraigS]

At least he's not into White Holes, Gravitic forces and conspiracies concerning the modification of the world's weather by HAARP !

.. oh .. I forgot wormholes ..

Cheers

[renormalised]

That won't be too far behind.....:):P

[OneOfOne]

Whilst the link he has quoted is "of the 2012 variety", it is perhaps a bit harsh to describe him as being so. Perhaps by providing an informed opinion, as several members already have, we can direct him from the dark side of "2012 wackos" and into the light of true science and reason :)