Correct Response: D. The synchronous rotation of the Moon means that it rotates on its axis at approximately the same rate as it orbits Earth. As a result, the same side of the Moon always faces Earth. The change in the time of Moon rise on successive days (A) is caused by the Moon's eastward motion during its orbit. Since the Moon has moved eastward by 13.18 degrees over the course of a 24• hour day, Earth must rotate eastward for approximately fifty extra minutes each day to catch up with the Moon's new orbital position. The Moon's apparent east-to-west path across the sky (B) results from Earth's axial rotation from west to east and the full Moon always rises at about sunset (C) because the Moon appears full when it is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun.
