earthscienceregents-tomsriverregionalschools（8页）.docVIP

Earth Science Regents Orbit and Phases of the Moon Lab The Moon revolves around the earth once every “moonth” - that’s where the word “month’ comes from. During the 29.5 day moonth, the Moon, as viewed from earth, goes through a cycle of phases or shapes. Sometimes we see only a little of the right side of the Moon lit up. Other times, it’s the left side. Sometimes we see the Moon during the morning or afternoon, sometimes at night, and sometimes not at all. Careful observation reveals that these motions and phases of the Moon are predictable and quite easily understood. In this lab, you’ll discover for yourself the pattern of the phases of the Moon. THE NAMES OF THE SHAPES OF THE MOON  When less than half of the Moon is illuminated, we call that shape crescent. Sometimes the right side is illuminated, sometimes the left. When more than half of the Moon is illuminated, we call that shape gibbous. Sometimes the right side is illuminated, sometimes the left. When exactly half of the Moon is illuminated, we call it a quarter moon (even though we see half of the side that faces us. You’ll see why we call it a quarter moon soon.) Sometimes the right side is illuminated, sometimes the left. Of course you know the full moon! And finally, when the Moon is nearly between us and the Sun, and its dark side is facing us and the illuminated side is facing away from us., we can’t see the moon, but we call it a new moon THE PHASES OF THE MOON DIAGRAM The diagram on the next page is a polar view of the earth/Moon system - it is a view from above the north pole of the Earth. The Moon is drawn in eight positions on its orbit around the earth. The “Moons” drawn next to each of the eight Moons will be used to diagram what the Moon looks in that position when viewed from earth. Follow your instructor’s discussion and use the diagram below to learn how to determine the appearance of the Moon at various times in its orbit around earth.