The diameter of the Moon is greater from front to back (seen from the Earth)than it is from pole to pole.What is responsible for the observed difference in diameters?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tides due to Earth are responsible for the observed difference in diameters. The gravitational pull of the Earth on the Moon causes tidal forces that slightly elongate the Moon along the axis pointing towards the Earth, making its diameter larger from front to back as seen from the Earth.

The Diameter of the Moon Is Greater from Front to Back