Moon Phases For Science

MOON PHASES
Ancient people have observed that the moon changes its path and its
appearance within a period of 29.5 days. They observed that the moon changes
its appearance from thin semi-circular disk to full circular disk. These phases
of the moon is the basis of ancient calendars.
LUNAR ECLIPSE
Besides their observation in the different phases of the moon, they also
noticed that there are times when the moon or part of it seemed to be covered
by a shadow for a brief moment. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth casts
its shadow on the moon when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon.
A phenomenon such as this is known as a lunar eclipse wherein the moon
changes into a dark or blood red color.
SOLAR ECLIPSE
Aside from lunar eclipse, the occurrence of a solar eclipse was also observed.
Solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is in between the Sun and the Earth and
the moon partially or completely blocks out the sun.
MOTION OF THE STARS
It was also observed that the stars appear to be attached to a celestial sphere
that rotates around an axis in one day. This axis intersects the celestial sphere
at a point in the northern sky and is presently close to the northern star,
Polaris. Also, the constellations’ positions in the night sky vary depending on
the time of the year.
VISIBILITY OF PLANETS
Astronomers have discovered that Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn
are planets because they have noticed that the stars are in a fixed position with
respect to each other (like how constellations are always grouped). But there
are very bright stars that change positions periodically. These “stars” do not
belong to any group of constellations in the sky. Thus, they are called
"wanderers” or planetes in Greek terms.
The daily and annual motion of stars and planets is influenced by the rotation of the Earth and its orbit around
the Sun. Here's a brief explanation of the daily and annual motion of stars and the five planets you mentioned:
Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
Daily Motion of Stars:
From our perspective on Earth, the stars appear to rise in the east, move across the sky during the night, and
set in the west. This apparent motion is due to the rotation of the Earth on its axis. The Earth completes one
full rotation in approximately 24 hours, causing the stars to appear to move across the sky at a rate of about 15
degrees per hour (360 degrees divided by 24 hours).
Annual Motion of Stars:
The annual motion of stars is primarily caused by the Earth's orbit around the Sun. As the Earth revolves
around the Sun, different stars become visible at different times of the year. This is due to the fact that we see
different parts of the sky at different times as the Earth's position changes in its orbit. The stars appear to shift
by about one degree per day due to the Earth's orbit.
Planets:
Mercury:
Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and has a highly elliptical orbit. It completes one orbit around the Sun
in approximately 88 Earth days. Due to its proximity to the Sun, Mercury is usually visible either shortly before
sunrise or shortly after sunset. It appears to move back and forth in the sky relative to the Sun and can
sometimes be observed in the morning sky and other times in the evening sky.
Venus:
Venus is the second planet from the Sun and has a relatively circular orbit. It takes approximately 225 Earth
days to complete one orbit around the Sun. Venus is often referred to as the "evening star" or the "morning
star" because it is one of the brightest objects in the night sky. Venus is usually visible in the western or
eastern sky shortly after sunset or before sunrise, respectively.
Mars:
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and takes about 687 Earth days to complete one orbit. Mars is visible in
the night sky throughout the year but its visibility and brightness vary depending on its position relative to
Earth and the Sun. During favorable oppositions (when Earth and Mars are closest to each other), Mars can
appear as a bright reddish object in the sky.
Jupiter:
Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and has a relatively circular orbit. It takes approximately 12 Earth years
to complete one orbit. Jupiter is usually visible in the night sky and is one of the brightest objects, often
outshining most stars. Its position in the sky changes slowly over the course of the year, and it can be observed
in different constellations.
Saturn:
Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and has a slightly elliptical orbit. It takes approximately 29.5 Earth years
to complete one orbit. Saturn is visible in the night sky and is known for its prominent rings. Its position in the
sky changes slowly over time, and it can be observed in different constellations.
It's important to note that the motion of planets can also be influenced by their own moons and other celestial
bodies, which can result in more complex motions and phenomena.

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MOON PHASES

MOTION OF THE STARS

Daily Motion of Stars:

Annual Motion of Stars:

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