Working with another student, make regular observations of the Moon and develop an analysis of its motions. Write it up as a formal lab report and turn it in at the end of the block.

Procedure

Note the date and time of the observation, the relative positions of the Moon and the Sun (separated by an angle of how many degrees?), and the phase (new, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full, waning gibbous, third quarter, waning crescent, new, ...) of the Moon every day of the block. Don't look at the Sun! Note: the shadow of a rod pointed at the Sun is minimized when the rod points directly at the Sun. You should have a minimum of 15 good observations, spread throughout the block. Record your observations in a table, along with any other data you think you might need (what questions will you have to answer?).

Write ths up as a formal lab report, including purpose, procedure, figures, analysis, and conclusions. Your analysis should include answers to the following questions:

1. What is the relationship between the phase of the Moon and the positions of Moon and Sun?
2. Does the Moon move Eastward relative to the Sun, or Westward? How do you know (show me your data)?
3. Does the Moon move Eastward relative to the fixed stars, or Westward? How do you know (show me your data)?

Meet with Dick to discuss your report (including figures, references, the works) at least 4 days berfore the report is due, to give yourself time to revise before the deadline.

This page last modified 12:49, August 26, 2012.