Chapter 3, Problem 1CC

To determine

The look like of moon a few days before the new moon to an observer looking up during a lunch break.

Answer to Problem 1CC

Solution:

The moon looks like a waning crescent with a slight illumination on the moons left side.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The moon revolves around the earth from one night to another night. During this time, a different portion of the moon that is half illuminated is observed. These distinct appearances of the moon are termed as lunar phases.

The position in which the moon is hardly seen is called the new moon. A new moon is situated close to the sun in the sky, so it rises and sets with sunrise and sunset respectively. The position in which the moon is completely observed is termed as the full moon.

Explanation:

The above figure depicts the different position of the moon. The moon takes around 4 weeks to finish the cycle of phases starting from the new moon and ending to full moon and then again to the new moon. So, the moon takes 4 weeks to complete one orbit around earth. A few days before the new moon, the moon is visible only during day time. An observer looking up during a lunch break observes this moon as a waning crescent with a little bit illumination on the moon’s left side.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the moon looks like a waning crescent with a slight illumination on the moon’s left side.