Lunar Rotation, Orientation and Tides

Many satellites exhibit synchronous rotation. The Moon is the most familiar example. For the Moon there is a) Lunar Laser Ranging measurements of tides and three-dimensional rotation variations and b) supporting theoretical understanding of both effects. The lunar rotational variations are up to 1 km while tidal variations are about 0.1 m, so the former effect has been more useful. Analysis of the lunar variations in pole direction and rotation about the pole gives moments of inertia, gravity harmonics, tidal Love number k₂, tidal dissipation (Q), and evidence for a liquid core. The experience with the Moon is a starting point for exploring the tides, rotation and orientation of the other synchronous bodies of the solar system.