The Far Side of the Moon

The Far Side of the Moon refers to the hemisphere of the Moon that is always facing away from Earth due to tidal locking, meaning the Moon rotates on its axis in the same time it takes to orbit Earth. This side was first observed by humans in 1959 when the Soviet spacecraft Luna 3 captured images of it. Unlike the Near Side, which is visible from Earth, the Far Side features unique geological features, such as a thicker crust and fewer maria (large dark plains). It's sometimes mistakenly called the "Dark Side," but it receives sunlight just like the Near Side.