What is the “dark side of the moon” refer to?
There are a lot of misconception being passed on here that need to be cleared up. First of all, as Adrian wrote, the Moon rotate at the same rate that it orbits the Earth. Thus it keeps the same face point at us at all times. Because of this the portion of the Moon that is lit by the Sun changes on a monthly cycle in time with the Moon’s orbital cycle. So, the “dark side of the moon” shifts as the Moon goes around us. Thus, during the new moon, when the Moon is between us and the Sun, the near side of the Moon is in its shadow and the far side is fully lit by the Sun. As the Moon continues around us, keeping the same face pointed towards us, the portion that is lit changes with the changing orientation. So, about two weeks after the new moon, the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. At this point it is now the near side of the Moon that is fully lit and the far side that is now in the Moon’s shadow. As this cycle continues, all sides of the Moon eventually get the sa
Generally, it refers to that which is unknown, as it is the side which cannot be seen. The term “dark side” itself refers to things hidden from others, the unseen and less benevolent aspects of a thing (e.g. someones dark side). Aside from the deeper discussion on things scientific which have been taking place in response to this question, I’d like to be the one to mention that this phrase commonly refers to the #2 best selling album in the world, Pink Floyd’s 1973 release “Dark Side of the Moon”, which has spent an unbelievable 14 years on the Billboard 200 album chart, longer than any other album in history. It has also remained on the Billboard charts altogether for 29 years, setting another record. It is frequently ranked by music critics as one of the greatest and most influential albums of all time. The Dark Side of the Moon explores the nature of the human experience. For example, “Speak to Me / Breathe” is about birth and being a child with new earthly experiences. “Time” deals
