Why do almost all moons exhibit synchronous rotation in which they rotate with the same period as they orbit their planet?

A) The moons formed this way, with the same rotational and orbital periods.
B) Most jovian moons were formed out of their planet's nebula with the same orbital period.
C) The moons probably once orbited farther away and more slowly, but friction with solar nebula gas caused their orbits to come closer to their planet, speeding them up.
D) The moons probably once rotated faster, but tidal friction slowed their rotations to match their orbital periods.
E) Synchronous rotation is caused by orbital resonances with other moons.


D) The moons probably once rotated faster, but tidal friction slowed their rotations to match their orbital periods.

Physics & Space Science

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