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

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.
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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.
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
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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).
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