Due: before the end of class on October 10, 2022, Write-up example
1. Go to the site http://stardate.org/nightsky/moon/ . What is the phase of the Moon on September 30, 2022? ________________ Roughly, at what time will the Moon pass through the Meridian on September 30, 2022? ______________ . Make a sketch (as done in class) showing the relative positions of the Moon, the Earth, and Sun on the date September 30, 2022.
2. During the week, go outside and find the Moon on two different days. Depending upon the weather, you may need to attempt Moon viewing several times. Do not wait until just before the due date and hope for success. Take advantage of the first clear skies.
Where and when you see the Moon depends on the day and time at which you look. Take a picture with your phone or camera (or make a sketch showing the location of the Moon in the sky. Include the horizon and, if possible, include identifiable landmarks or mark the direction in which you look. Include the date, time, and location (your viewing location--you may use name landmarks such as Willamette Hall, the Hult Ceneter, and so on). Guess the altitude of the Moon above the horizon in degrees and the rough azimuth of the Moon along the horizon. I used a compass app for my phone to find directions.
A day or two later, go out at roughly the same time as for your first observation of the Moon, and find the Moon. Note the day and time at which you look. Sketch a picture (or again take a picture with your phone) showing the location of the Moon in the sky. Be sure to point (aim) your picture in the same direction as your first image so that you can determine by how much the moon has moved. Again, if possible, include the horizon and identifiable landmarks or mark the location of the north, east, west, or south point on the horizon. Guess the altitude of the Moon above the horion in degrees and the aziumth of the Moon along the horizon.
3. Based on your two observations, does the Moon rise earlier or later from day to day. Roughly how much earlier or later does the Moon rise from day to day?
4. Based on your result for question 3, how many days does it take for the cycle of lunar phases to repeat?