Far Side of the Moon . ... Credit Copyright: Apollo 16 , NASA Explanation: Locked in synchronous rotation, the Moon always presents its well-known near side to Earth. But from lunar orbit, Apollo astronauts also grew to know the Moon's far side. This sharp picture from Apollo 16's mapping camera shows the eastern edge of the familiar near side (left) and the strange and heavily cratered far side of the Moon . ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ...