I.
Complete the Moon Timetable above by using the new moon’s times as an example.
The new moon and sun rise at approximately 6 am, rise to their highest points at
noon and set at 6 pm (a 12 hour cycle). This 12 hour cycle continues for each
phase.
2.
Choose a specific time to make your observations. Choose an evening time such as
8 pm, 9 pm or 10 pm.
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3. Find
a location with as clear a view as possible of the southern sky. When facing
south, you should be able to look east (to your left) and west (to your right)
without any major obstacles blocking your view. (NOTE: If you do not have a
compass to determine directions, call the direction of the setting Sun WEST)
4. Pick
a spot for viewing that you will be able to find each time you make an
observation. Push a stick or stone into the ground, or make a scratch or chalk
mark on a paved surface to help you find the spot. Make all your observations
from this location.
5. On a
sheet of paper, draw the horizon features. Include buildings, trees, power
lines, hills, and anything else that falls into your field of view. Mark east,
south, and west along your horizon. Place south in the center of your drawing.
Write the location (neighborhood and/or street name) of your observation spot on
this chart. Bring your drawing to class for me to check.
April
15
South West
East
6. Draw
the shape of the Moon on your observation sheet, and place it where it appears
in the sky. If there are any bright stars or planets nearby, include them in
your drawing. Write the date next to the drawing of the Moon.
7. On
the Chart, record the weather conditions and anything unusual you observe about
the Moon or the sky. Pay special attention to the Moon’s apparent shape and
color.
8. Make
all your observations of the Moon at the same time (you must be no
more than 15 minutes early or late) from the same location for
as many nights as possible. Make at least 14 observations.
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9. After
your observations are complete, transfer the information from your sheet of
paper that features the horizon and moon phases onto a poster board.
10.
Begin your observations to class. The1st quarter moon is [insert appropriate
date]. End your observations on or around [insert appropriate date]. The
completed project is due [insert appropriate date].
EXTRA
CREDIT: Make a
moon journal for the morning or afternoon sky.
ANALYSIS
Answer
the following questions after completing all of your observations.
1. As
seen from the earth, the moon drifts eastward relative to the stars; that is, on
a given night the moon appears eastward of its position the night before at the
same time. Through what angle does the moon move eastward each day relative to
the stars? (Hint: The moon circles the earth in 27.3 days relative to the stars,
hence it travels through 360 degrees in 27.3 days)
2. How
did the position of the Moon change?
3. As
seen in the sky, was the Moon getting farther from or closer to the Sun or did
it seem to stay in the same position with respect to the Sun?
4. Over
the period of your observations, did you see more or less of the “lit-up” part
the Moon as it changed its position with respect to the Sun?
5. Why
do you think the Moon’s position in the sky changed as it did?
6. Why
do you think the Moon’s apparent shape changed as it did?
7. Was
the Moon setting earlier, later, or at the same time from one night to the next?
8. From
your observations, estimate the time it would take for the moon to return to the
same place in the sky it was on the first night you started keeping a journal.
9. Is
the Moon in the same place in the sky at the same time every night?
10. How
does the appearance of the Moon change from one night to the next?
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