Retrograde e version2

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Triton College *

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101

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Astronomy

Date

May 4, 2024

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docx

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3

Uploaded by CoachBoulderOstrich23

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Retrograde Motion Purpose : To see why the planet Mars seems to move backward in its orbit. Procedure: Select Retrograde motion link to complete this lab. 1. In which direction do planets normally move? Planets move counterclockwise relative to the Sun 2. What is retrograde motion of a planet? The apparent backward motion of a planet with respect to the stars is retrograde mo- tion. 3. What really is retrograde motion? The relative velocity of the two planets as seen from Earth might give the appear- ance that one planet is traveling backward in the sky when Earth passes another planet in its orbit. Retrograde motion really is like an illusion that a planet in the sky is moving backward when it isn’t.  4. What causes this effect? It is caused by the various orbital distances and speeds between Earth and other planets in the solar system. 5. What is aligned when Mars is at opposition in its orbit? The Sun and Earth are both aligned with Mars when it is at opposition in its orbit. Using the demonstration in the video, answer questions 6, 7, and 8.
6. What numbered position represents Mars at its furthest eastward motion? 2 7. What numbered position represents Mars at opposition? 3 8. What numbered position represents Mars when Mars’ furthest, westward motion stops? 4 When the video requests you to pause the video, click the STOP SIGN and en- large to full screen view. 9. Using the edge of a ruler line up Earth’s position #1 with Mars position #1. Indicate the letter position in the star field where an observer on Earth would see the superior planet (i.e. Mars). _____A_____ 10. Using the edge of a ruler line up Earth’s position #2 with Mars position #2. Indicate the letter position in the star field where an observer on Earth would see the superior planet (i.e. Mars). _____D_____ 11. Using the edge of a ruler line up Earth’s position #3 with Mars position #3. Indicate the letter position in the star field where an observer on Earth would see the superior planet (i.e. Mars). _____C_____ 12. Using the edge of a ruler line up Earth’s position #4 with Mars position #4. Indicate the letter position in the star field where an observer on Earth would see the superior planet (i.e. Mars). _____B_____ 13. Using the edge of a ruler line up Earth’s position #5 with Mars position #5. Indicate the letter position in the star field where an observer on Earth would see the superior planet (i.e. Mars). ____E______
14. Using your answers from 9 -13. What does Mars appear to do? Mars Appears to line up with the Earth for each number position. Restart Video. 15. Why does Mars appear to have a larger range of motion than other planets in the solar system? Mars appears to have a larger range of motion than other planets in the solar system because of the proximity of Mars to Earth, but also because of its orbit’s eccentricity.
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