The purpose of this assignment is to observe the Moon for a period of approximately 8-10 weeks, note any changes in its appearance and/or position over this course of time, and understand why the Moon goes through changes. You should observe the Moon on as many nights as possible, and record your observations visually on a location diagram of the area where you are observing, as well as in the Record of Observations log, both described below. Begin your observations as soon as possible.
There are 3 separate sections for this assignment:
1. Observe the Moon nightly through the 8-10 week period
2. Observe the Moon several times within one of these nights
3. Write a short formal essay on ancient historical observations of the Moon.
Making the Observations
Find a convenient location near your home or work, with a clear view of the southern sky, where you might be at a consistent time several nights a week. When facing south, you should be able to look east (your left) and west (right) without any major obstacles blocking your view.
Make all your observations from the same location if possible. If you need to use more than one location, you will have to draw more than one location diagram. The observations can be made at any time the Moon is visible, but taking several observations at roughly the same time will give you a better idea of how the Moon’s position is changing.
Note that the Moon does rise and set at different times daily. If you are having difficulty locating the Moon, check online or a newspaper for the Moon’s rise and set time for that day. A very useful website is:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/ataglance
A minimum of 20 observations is required, but do as many as you can. More observations will help you answer the questions. It is recognized that the weather is unpredictable. You can note in your log when it was cloudy, and you could not see the Moon (but this would not count as one of the 20 observations). You must log your observations with hand drawn sketches, but you may supplement the drawings with photographs if you choose.
Location Diagram
The location diagram is a separate piece of paper on which you are to draw the horizon features of your chosen observing location. Include such things as hydro poles, buildings, trees, hills, etc. For each observation of the Moon that you make, indicate its position on the location diagram, with the appropriate number of your observation given in your Record of Observations log. If you are making observations from more than one location (e.g. work and home), you will need more than one location diagram. The quality of this diagram is considered only in that it is possible to distinguish the objects, and the numbered observation positions. No consideration is given for artistic quality, so keep it simple. Do NOT make a good copy. Your ‘on site’ observations are the most important part of this assignment, and must be handed in. Make sure to label directions (west, etc.) on you diagram.
Record of Observations
For each observation that you make, fill in the appropriate columns of the Record of Observations log provided at the end of this file (feel free to make modifications to the format of the log to better suit your presentation of data). You are to draw the shape of the Moon, comment about the weather, how clearly you are able to see features on the Moon, and report any other comment that you feel is relevant. Record the position of the moon in the sky relative to the landmarks on your location diagram. If the weather is poor and you are unable to see the Moon, you should note this in your log. As for your location diagram, do NOT make a good copy of your Record of Observations. Your ‘on site’ observations are the most important part of this assignment, and must be handed in.
Note that the professor will also be observing the Moon and keeping a record of weather conditions. Falsification of data and/or plagiarism of any sort will be severely punished.
Section 1. Observe the Moon nightly (as best as possible) through the 10-week period
For Section 1 of this assignment, you are to observe the Moon nightly, recording your observations on the location diagram and Record of Observations, as described above.
For a 4-5 night period, try to observe the Moon at the same time each night, paying careful attention to the size, shape (i.e. phase) and location of the Moon. Note that the Moon rises and sets at a different time each night, so you will not be able to find the Moon at the same time each night throughout its entire cycle.
Following your observations, answer the following questions:
1.1. Describe how did the appearance (or phase) of the Moon changed over the course of the 4-5 night period, where the observations were made at approximately the same time each night.
1.2. How did the position of the Moon change on your location diagram over the course of the 4-5 night period, where the Moon was observed at the same time each night?
1.3. Why do you think the Moon changed its position in the sky over the 4-5 night period, where the Moon was observed at the same interval each night?
1.4. How did the Moon change its size, phase and position, over the 10-week period?
1.5. Give a full explanation for why the Moon changes its phase throughout its cycle.
Note: hand in your answers on the question sheet attached at the end of the assignment.
In answering these questions please use your own thoughts and words. Do not copy or simply paraphrase answers from a text. If you use an outside source to research your answer, give the reference for that source (APA or MLA format).
Section 2. Observe the Moon several times within one of these nights
In this section of the assignment, you are to observe the Moon at least 4 times a night, separated by 1/2 hour intervals. You will need to create a separate location diagram for these observations. Include these observations in your Record of Observations log. Note that multiple observations on the same night would only count as one of the 20+ observations required for the entire assignment.
On your location diagram for Section 2, sketch the Moon (paying careful attention to size, shape and orientation) at the appropriate location, and note the time of your observation. Repeat this process at half-hour intervals, for a minimum of 4 observations (more observations are better).
When you have completed the observations, answer the following questions:
2.1. How did the size, phase, orientation and position of the Moon change over the series of observations made in a single night?
2.2. Explain in detail why these changes occurred.
Additional Moon questions:
3.1 What is the configuration of the Moon, Earth and Sun for (i) a lunar eclipse; (ii) a solar
eclipse?
3.2 Why don’t we see eclipses every month?
Note: hand in your answers on the question sheet attached at the end of the ssignment.
Section 3. Essay Section
For this section, you are to write a 3-4 page essay (12- point, double spaced, plus appropriate figures or diagrams, and references) on a selected historical (pre-medieval) topic related to the Moon.
Include the following in your essay:
• for a particular ancient culture, or archaeological site, describe current evidence for that culture’s observations of the Moon (even if that evidence is not fully conclusive)
• describe how the observations relate to the phase or position of the Moon
• for the same culture, discuss a myth or cultural story or interpretation of the Moon
• in-text citations and references in APA format
• any relevant diagrams or images (include reference) of sites, drawings, etc.
Record of Observations Name: _______________________
Student #:____________________
Obs # Date Time DRAWING OF MOON Comments (weather, clarity of Moon’s features, other objects of interest in sky, etc.)
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Question Sheet: Name: _______________________
Student #: ____________________
Section 1 questions:
1.1. Describe how did the appearance (or phase) of the Moon changed over the course of the 4-5 night period, where the observations were made at approximately the same time each night.
1.2. How did the position of the Moon change on your location diagram over the course of the 4-5 night period, where the Moon was observed at the same time each night?
1.3. Why do you think the Moon changed its position in the sky over the 4-5 night period, where the Moon was observed at the same interval each night?
1.4. How did the Moon change its size, phase and position, over the 10-week period?
1.5. Give a full explanation for why the Moon changes its phase throughout its cycle.
Section 2 questions:
2.1. How did the size, phase, orientation and position of the Moon change over the series of observations made in a single night?
2.2. Explain in detail why these changes occurred.
Additional questions:
3.1 What is the configuration of the Moon, Earth and Sun for (i) a lunar eclipse; (ii) a solar
eclipse?
3.2 Why don’t we see eclipses every month?
