Chapter 4, Problem 1THP

Which Moon position (A−E) best corresponds with the Moon phase shown in the upper-rightcorner of Figure 1? Make sure that the Moon position you choose correctly predictsa Moon phase in which only a small crescent of light on the left-hand side of the Moon isvisible from Earth.

To determine

The position of moon that best corresponds with the phase shown in the upper right corner.

Answer to Problem 1THP

The position of moon that best corresponds with the phase shown in the upper right corner is the position D.

Explanation of Solution

In one month cycle, appearance of the moon completely changes; it is termed as phases of the moon or lunar cycle. Out of all phases of Moon, one of the phases is crescent phase. Crescent phase occurs at two positions.

1. Waxing Crescent: One day after new moon, people on Earth can see first appearance of the moon and it is called crescent. It keeps on growing until its next phase.  During this phase moon rises at $9\text{a}\text{.m}\text{.}$ and sets at $9\text{p}\text{.m}\text{.}$

2. Waning Crescent: This is the last phase of the moon, in this phase it is similar to the one visible on waxing crescent.  During this phase moon rises at $3\text{a}\text{.m}\text{.}$ and sets at $3\text{p}\text{.m}\text{.}$ .

The given phase in the upper right corner is the waning crescent. The required position of Moon to occur in the given phase is position D.

Conclusion:

Thus, the position of moon that best corresponds with the phase shown in the upper right corner is the position D.