Physics 1040 Astronomy
John Barainca
April 27, 2013
Astronomical Observation:
Observe the position of the moon each night at the same time.
Facing south, with the horizon to the right. I conducted the observation in my front yard.
What astronomical Phenomenon does the change in the moon’s location represent?
The moon rotates on its axis once per revolution around the earth always keeping the same face towards Earth. This phenomenon is called synchronous rotation because the revolution and the rotation are synchronized with each other. The moon is elongated which causes its near side always to fall towards earth. ( Palen Kay Smith Blumenthal
Reflective Writing:
1-What impact did the assignment have on your understanding of the earth? Did it challenge any of your assumptions?
I realized that I had to orient myself to my position on earth. I had to align myself in relation to the horizon. I need to make sure of my location and my surroundings.
2-What process did you go through to complete the assignment?
This was all new to me I had never did an outside observation before; and I was not sure what to do. I was looking forward to doing the assignment. After I would observe the moon for one or two days I would do research on what it was I was observing. I utilized several really good website that explained different moons. I actually started to try and predict where the moon would be and how much would be visible. I actually continued to watch and observe the moon past the eight day assignment I realized that it was going to become a full moon and I was looking forward to seeing it.
At the new Moon phase, the Moon is so close to the Sun in the sky that none of the side facing Earth is illuminated. In other words, the Moon is between Earth and Sun. At first quarter, the half-lit Moon is highest in the sky at sunset, then sets about six hours later.
At full Moon, the Moon is behind Earth in space with respect to the Sun. As the Sun sets, the Moon rises with the side that faces Earth fully exposed to sunlight. (Star Date)
3-What challenges did you face in completing the assignment? How did you address it?
On April 10th the day after the assignment was given I was eager to get outside and start my observation. I went outside to look for the moon. Standing in my yard facing south and noting the horizon I searched for the moon. I could not find it. I walked out in to the street to get a better view and still I could not find it. I had a class at eight thirty so I just gave up(almost) As I was driving to school I continue to try and locate the moon. It was not a cloudy day, so I was sure I was doing something wrong. As soon as I returned home I immediately started to research, where the moon could be find. I discovered that on April 10th there was no visible moon. I either didn’t realize it or had forgotten that there are days when there is no moon. I made sure that at least every other night I would conduct follow up research on my evening observations.
