Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: The Chandrayaan-3 mission, part of India’s lunar exploration efforts, successfully landed the Vikram lander on the near side of the Moon, making it one of the closest approaches to the Moon’s South Pole.
Difference between the Near and Far side of the Moon:
| Aspect | Near Side of the Moon | Far Side of the Moon |
| Visibility from Earth | Visible to Earth observers (about 60% of the moon’s surface area) | Not visible from Earth |
| Sunlight Exposure | Receives sunlight, not perpetually dark | Receives sunlight during the new moon |
| Terrain | Relatively smoother, more volcanic plains | Rougher terrain with large impact craters |
| Crust Thickness | Thinner crust, extensive volcanic lava flow | Thicker crust, fewer volcanic features |
| Space Missions | Conducive to space missions due to flatter terrain | More challenging due to rough terrain and craters |
| Water-Ice Possibility | Limited in permanently shadowed regions | Possible in permanently shadowed regions |
| Lunar Exploration | Many lunar missions have landed here | Fewer lunar missions due to challenges (only China’s mission was sent to the far side) |
| Communication | Direct line-of-sight communication with Earth | Limited communication requires the relay |
