Chapter 2, Problem 39EAP

Lunar Phases and Time of Day. Roles: Scribe (takes notes on the group’s activities), Proposer (proposes explanations to the group), Skeptic (points out weaknesses in proposed explanations), Moderator (leads group discussion and makes sure everyone contributes). Activity: The diagram below represents the Moon’s orbit as seen from above Earth’s North Pole (not to scale). Each group member should draw a copy of the diagram and label it as you work together on the following questions.

a. How would the Moon appear from Earth at each of the eight Moon positions? Label each one with the corresponding phase. b. What time of day corresponds to each of the four tick marks on Earth? Label each tick mark accordingly. c. Why doesn’t the Moon’s phase change during the course of one night? Explain your reasoning. d. At what times of day would a full moon be visible to someone standing on Earth? Write down when a full moon rises and explain why it appears to rise at that time. e. At what times of day would a third-quarter moon be visible to someone standing on Earth? Write down when a third-quarter moon sets and explain why it appears to set at that time. f. At what times of day would a waxing crescent moon he visible to someone standing on Earth? Write down when a waxing crescent moon rises and explain why it appears to rise at that time.