Chapter 2, Problem 43EAP

Group Activity: Lunar Phases and Time of Day. Make a copy of the diagram below representing the Moon’s orbit as seen from above Earth’s North Pole. Note: You may wish to do this activity using the four roles described in Chapter 1, Exercise 39; you may also find it useful to watch the video “Moon Phases, Part 2.”

1. Label each of the eight Moon positions with the phase that it represents.
2. What time of day corresponds to each of the four tick marks on Earth? Label each tick mark accordingly.
3. Why doesn’t the Moon’s phase change during the course of one night? Explain your reasoning.
4. At what times of day would a full moon be visible to someone on Earth? Write down when a full moon rises and explain why it appears to rise at that time.
5. At what times of day would a third-quarter moon be visible to someone on Earth? Write down when a third-quarter moon sets and explain why it appears to set at that time.
6. At what times of day would a waxing crescent moon be visible to someone on Earth? Write down when a waxing crescent moon rises and explain why it appears to rise at that time.