AST-1001 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Synchronous Orbit, The Moons, Optical Illusion
Document Summary
As you watch the moon on successive evenings, you will see it following its orbit around. The phases of the moon are caused by different portions of the moon being lit by the. Roughly two weeks between new moon to full moon, and roughly two weeks back. We always see the same side of the moon facing earth; synchronous orbit. Waxing- approaching full moon; right side illuminated. Waning- approaching new moon; left side illuminated. Sidereal means looking down on the solar system. A synodic month (as seen from earth) is 29. 5 days. There is no dark side of the moon; any location on the moon is sunlit for two weeks and in darkness for two weeks as the moon rotates. Lasts up to 1 hour and 40 min. In cultures all around the world, the moon is a regular counter of the passing days and months. Sunlight scattered from earth"s atmosphere bathes the totally eclipsed moon in a coppery glow.
