Moon Observations

Introduction

We all have watched the moon at one time or another.  Now lets make obesrvations of the moon with the intent of incorporating our observations in our model. Thus, the goal of this observation activity is to observe the moon for an extended period of time and try to determine if our models match with what we observe.

Journal of Moon's Phase, Direction, and Time

In this activity you will observe the moon as it changes its position in the sky over a period of time. In order to truly appreciate the path, position and phases of the moon you must observe the moon each night (when clear). You can observe the portion of this cycle by noting the moons position, shape and the time of observation each night.

The Observations
Choose a convenient time in the evening and take your observations at the same time each night.  This way the rotation of the Earth will return you to the same orientation in space for each observation; any changes you see will be due solely to the motion of the moon.  It is not crucial that you observe from the same place each night but you must be sure of your orientation with respect to the horizon and the direction of South. The location you use should have a horizon
relatively free of obstructions in all directions so you can see the Moon when it is close to the horizon. If you don't see the Moon, record that fact and why and observe again the next evening.
 
Incorporation into your model
Your journal may consist of both a log of each night of your observations each night. The observing log should contain a record of each observation that you took.  A sample log sheet is at the bottom of this page. You must calibrate your recording sheet from S to W and S to E.

Completeness and specificity are very important in your observation log.  Practice making
position measurements so you can be confident that you are being accurate. If you compile an
incomplete log, you will also find it very difficult to draw good conclusions and your project will suffer.

One of the difficult things to report accurately is the position of an object in the sky. One technique that works well for locating the position of the Moon is to use the width of your fist held at arm's length as an angle measuring aid. It takes some practice to make this technique work because there is some tendency for one's fist to move as you move the other one. Moon positions based upon the average several repetitions will be more reliable than single observations. Accurate observations of position, orientation of lit surface and coverage of surface will be necessary to allow you to correctly describe the changes in the discussion.

Plot all positions on one sheet with the dates observed. Plot all phases on one page with dates observed. The major question you should consider in trying to determine if your model is correct is

If a camera is placed on the Earth I can see the phases of the moon and is the moon roughly in the correct location in the sky.
 

 

  OBSERVATION LOG SHEET  
 
Date:           Time:          Location:
 

(For example: How clear was it? How many stars were visible? What parts of the sky were
obscured by clouds? How distinct was the Moon?):
 
 
 
 
 
 

Altitude: fists above the horizon. Remember a fist is about 10 degrees. To help you learn the constellations as well you should also include nearby constellations in your sketch.
 

Direction on horizon to the point under the object:

After you determine which direction is south, east or west and then you determine that the Moon is about 40^o to the west of south and 40^o above the horizon. Thus you would draw the moon in as below.

Draw a picture of the Moon and shade in the portion of the Moon which is visible.
 

Include anything extra that you observed or insights into how you can test your model based upon what you have observed.