LIBRATION Meaning and
Definition
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Libration refers to the slight oscillating or rocking motion of a celestial body, especially the Moon, that gives the appearance of a wobbling or tilting motion as observed from a fixed point in space. This phenomenon is caused by the irregular gravitational forces exerted by other celestial bodies.
Specifically, lunar libration describes the apparent movement of the Moon, enabling observers on Earth to see slightly more than half of the Moon's surface over time. It occurs due to two main factors: first, the Moon's orbit is slightly elliptical, causing its distance from Earth to vary; second, the Moon's rotation is tidally locked with its revolution around the Earth. These factors produce three types of libration: libration in longitude, libration in latitude, and diurnal libration.
Libration in longitude manifests as a slight rocking or swaying motion from east to west, allowing observers on Earth to view a small portion of the Moon's eastern and western hemispheres from different angles. Libration in latitude, on the other hand, results in a shifting of the Moon's north and south poles, revealing regions beyond its regular poles. Lastly, diurnal libration is caused by Earth-bound observers experiencing changes in perspective due to their rotation, offering glimpses of the Moon from different viewing angles throughout a day.
Libration enhances our ability to observe approximately 59% of the lunar surface over time, surpassing what would be visible if the Moon remained completely motionless.
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The act of balancing or state of being balanced, as a balance before coming to rest; in astron., the balancing motion or trepidation in the firmament whereby the declination of the sun and the latitude of the stars change from time to time; an apparent irregularity in the moon's motion.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for LIBRATION
- kibration
- pibration
- oibration
- lubration
- ljbration
- lkbration
- lobration
- l9bration
- l8bration
- livration
- linration
- lihration
- ligration
- libdation
- libfation
- libtation
- lib5ation
- lib4ation
- librztion
- librstion
Etymology of LIBRATION
The word "libration" derives from the Latin term "librātiōn-" which means "a balancing" or "an oscillating". It is derived from the verb "librāre", meaning "to balance" or "to oscillate". The Latin term itself comes from the ancient Greek word "libranein" which carries a similar meaning, particularly referring to balancing scales. The word "libration" has been adopted in the context of astronomy to describe the apparent oscillation or wobbling of a celestial body, particularly that of the Moon.
Similar spelling words for LIBRATION
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