synchronous rotation

noun

, Astronomy.

1. rotation of a satellite in which the period of rotation is equal to the period of orbit around its primary, leaving the same face always pointing toward the primary:

   The moon is in synchronous rotation about the earth.

synchronous rotation

1. The rotation of an orbiting body on its axis in the same amount of time as it takes to complete a full orbit, with the result that the same face is always turned toward the body it is orbiting. Synchronous rotation is the result of tidal forces that over time slow the rotation of the smaller body until it is synchronized with its period of revolution around the larger body. The Earth's Moon exhibits synchronous rotation, as do a majority of moons in the solar system.
2. Also called captured rotation
3. Compare synchronous orbit

Word History and Origins

Origin of synchronous rotation¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

While describing lunar theory, for example, she compares the moon and Earth's locked synchronous rotation to the movement of dance partners: “How glad we can be, that we have someone to figure out this universe business alongside, to dance with, to gradually lengthen our days and keep us slow.”

From Scientific American

Like all the planets in this system, TRAPPIST-1e, renamed Nuwa by the first colonists, is in synchronous rotation.

From Nature

The two ice dwarfs experience what's known as tidal locking or synchronous rotation, meaning the same side of Charon forever faces the same side of Pluto, even as they orbit around a common point in space. This tight relationship earns them the title of "binary planet."

From Scientific American