astronomy Lunar Lab – Observing the Phases of the Moon 
due in two days

please read the instructions carefully. be sure you can do it before you bid on it. The address is 308 S 9th street. Columbia, Missouri.65201

The information for this lab is gathered from actual sky observations. The purpose of this lab is to observe the Moon and note the changes in its appearance and location in the sky over a period of several days. This is an individual and NOT a team project. How to get started: Be aware of when the moon is visible – that is when it rises and sets. It rises a little later each day, in the eastern sky, and is visible on the average for about 12 hours. On the average, it is visible as much in the day time as at night. Select a period of 7 to 10 days to make a series of 4 observations of the Moon, each at the same time of day. Plan on every other day or you can skip a day because of cloudy skies. Observations separated by 2-3 days allow time for changes in the lunar phase. A method to determine cardinal direction is required, such as a compass app on your smart device or a real compass. Considerations for choosing observation days: • Moonrise/Moonset times o Begin observations when the Moon is close to the western horizon o Search for Moonrise/set times using online resources (one option: https://www.timeanddate.com/moon/usa). • Avoid observations around the time of the new Moon, as it is difficult to observe when in line with the Sun. • Your availability • Forecast weather Location for observations: • Location should be convenient and can vary as long as you stay at the same general longitude. o Varying location around Columbia is fine; driving east or west toward St. Louis or Kansas City is too far • You should be able to see close to the western horizon. Page 1 of 4 Record observation information using the provided data sheet: • Record time, date, and viewing location for each observation. • Sketch the illuminated portion of the moon • Note the phase (name) • Use a compass (app on smart phone or real) to record the direction of the Moon from your location, between 0-360 degrees, • Use your clenched fist as a unit to record the elevation of the Moon from your horizon, and record “units” of your fist from horizon to the Moon. Questions: 1. What did you observe about the Moon’s position in the sky during your observations? How do you explain these changes? 2. What did you observe about the change in illumination of the Moon during your observations? Why was the illumination changing? 3. Why is it necessary to do your 4 observations in the suggested 7-10 days and not a longer period such as a month? The answer is not because the lab said to. 4. What would you have observed differently if you made some of your observations at the same time in St. Louis, Missouri? Why? 5. Would someone in Europe observe the same phases of the Moon in his or her local sky? Why or why not? 6. What will be the phase of the Moon exactly one week after your last observation? What will be the phase of the Moon exactly two weeks after your last observation? Analysis: Imagine that you have met someone who is questioning whether the Earth could be flat. Consider how your observations of the lunar phases and answers to the above questions would support a spherical Earth model and how you would respond to this individual. Your analysis should summarize the changes we see in the Moon in our sky over the course of a lunar month. Focus on describing the position and illumination of the Moon depending on relative Earth/Sun/Moon positions and your location. This analysis should be 1⁄2 to 1 page in length. Page 2 of 4 Submit a Typed Copy of your lab including only: • Your name • Title of Lab • A description of what you did to collect data for the lab and why. 2-3 paragraphs • The numbered answers to the 6 questions. About one paragraph each • Analysis • Page with Data Table (can be handwritten) and Lunar Orbit Sketch (hand drawn). This lab is graded based on 30 points for 100% correct. Lab scores comprise 20% of the class grade. Each of the 4 labs is therefore 5% of your final grade. How to Submit Your Lab Report Lunar lab is due no later than Thursday, Sept. 19th. Turn into Physics office 223 (second floor), a box will be on the counter labeled “Astronomy 1010 Labs”. Grading (30 points in total): Description—2 pts | Questions—12 pts | Data Table—8 pts | Lunar Orbit Sketch—3 pts |Analysis—5 pts Data Table: While the time of observation should be almost the same each day, record exact time. Page 3 of 4 Obs # Location Date & Time Sketch Shape of Illuminated Moon Lunar Phase Name Sky Position Direction: 0-360 degree from East Sky Position Height: # of fists 1 2 3 4 Lunar Orbit Sketch Label using observation number where the Moon was in its orbit around the Earth for each observation. Top view is looking at north pole. Hint of Choosing the Observing Time You need to observe the moon at the same time of each date. The visibility of the moon at your chose time depends on the date. You can use the online source to help you. Here is a rough estimate of the visibility window. If you choose to observe at * 7:30 pm, the visible window is 08/31 — 09/12 (Note: the sky is not fully dark yet); * 8:30 pm, the visible window is 09/01—09/14; * 9:30 pm, the visible window is 09/03—09/16; * 3:30 pm (i.e., right after our class), the visible window is 08/26—09/06 (Note: it’s difficult to observe it in line with the Sun, so I don’t suggest this). P