Orbit of the Moon the Moon varies as it orbits Earth and hence is not always equal to the Moon's rotational velocity. When the Moon is at its perigee, its rotation is slower than its orbital motion, and this allows us to see up to eight degrees of longitude of its eastern (right) far side. Conversely, when the Moon reaches its apogee, its rotation is faster than its orbital motion and this reveals eight degrees of longitude of its western (left) far side. This is referred to as "longitudinal libration". Because the lunar orbit is also inclined to Earth's ecliptic plane by 5.1°, the
Claimed moons of Earth Sun (not Earth) on the same orbital path as Earth, and appear to lead or follow Earth along the same orbital path. Other small natural objects in orbit around the Sun may enter orbit around Earth for a short amount of time, becoming temporary natural satellites. , the only confirmed example has been in Earth orbit during 2006 and 2007, though further instances are already predicted. The first major claim of another moon of Earth was made by French astronomer Frédéric Petit, director of the Toulouse Observatory, who in 1846 announced that he had discovered a second moon in an