Retrograde e version2
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Triton College *
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Course
100
Subject
Astronomy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by BarristerRockGorilla37
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? eastward
2. What is retrograde motion of a planet?
Wheels within wheels
3.
What
really
is retrograde motion?
Retrograde motion occurs when a planet
appears to move in the opposite direction to its orbit around the sun. It is an optical
illusion caused by the relative motion of Earth and the planets in their respective
orbits. This occurs as Earth overtakes and passes slower outer planets in their
orbits, causing them to appear to move backward before moving forward again.
4.
What causes this effect?
The retrograde motion effect is caused by the relative
motion between the Earth and other planets in their respective orbits around the sun.
When the Earth overtakes a slower-moving outer planet in its orbit, the outer planet
appears to move backward for a short period. This is due to the difference between
the orbital periods of Earth and the outer planet. The apparent backward motion is
an optical illusion caused by our perspective from Earth, as we are observing the
outer planet’s motion relative to our own planet.
5.
What is aligned when Mars is at opposition in its orbit? Sun earth and Mars
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
enlarge 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).
____b______
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).
______d___
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? Show the same
view points from each position
Restart Video.
15.
Why does Mars appear to have a larger range of motion than other planets in
the solar system? Because of Where it sits
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