Question

How many times does the moon rotate on its axis in one orbital period?

Answer 1

Once every 8.85 years

Step-by-step explanation:

Apsidal precession —The major axis of Moon's elliptical orbit rotates by one complete revolution once every 8.85 years in the same direction as the Moon's rotation itself.

Answer 2

The Moon rotates on its axis once every 27.32 days, which is the same amount of time it takes to complete one orbital period.

Step-by-step explanation:

• The Moon rotates, or spins, on its axis once every 27.32 days. This is known as its sidereal period, which is the amount of time it takes to make one full rotation on its axis in relation to the stars. This is also the same amount of time it takes for the Moon to complete one orbital period, or one trip around the Earth.
• The Moon's rotational and orbital periods are closely linked because the same gravitational force which causes the Moon to orbit the Earth is also what causes it to rotate. As the Moon moves around the Earth, it is constantly being pulled and pushed by the Earth's gravity, which causes the Moon to spin around its axis.
• The Moon's rotation is also affected by tidal forces. The Moon's gravity causes tidal bulges on the Earth's oceans. As the Earth's gravitational pull on the tidal bulges changes, so does the Moon's rotational speed. This means that the Moon's sidereal period can vary slightly, with an average of 27.32 days.