EARTH’S NATURAL SATELLITE – THE MOON

Origin

Several theories Gravity, same formation material,

Earth’s residual material Most popular – impact/collision theory** billions of years ago a major impact

between Earth and a object the size of Mars

HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=IBV4MDN5WO0

Structure of the Moon

Similar layers to Earth Crust, mantle (molten), and core

(solid iron)

Moonquakes Slight magnetic field

Why does the moon change phases? the light we see is the reflection of

the sun on the moon’s surface

the phases are determined by the positions of the earth, moon and sun

AND the amount of the sunlit side that is

facing you on earth

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/skytellers/moon_phases/images/fig8.jpg

When and how would someone observe the image below?

Eclipses – Lunar and SolarWhat’s the difference?

Lunar eclipse – full moon

Solar eclipse – new moon

partial – penumbra total - umbra

Challenge! What part of the sun is seen during

a partial solar eclipse?

Tides

gravitational attraction occurs for all matter (in any state)

although the sun has the most influence on earth (considering its superior mass), the moon also affects the gravitational pull

the water on earth is pulled towards the moon and bulges at the closest and opposite points on the planet

creating two high and two low tides in one rotational period (about 24 hours)

Why is neap tide not as drastic as spring tide? Neap – first and last Quarter Spring – new and full moon

The Dark Side of the Moon – more like, the Other Side of the Moon the moon’s rotation and revolution

are the same – about 27.3 earth days we always see the same side of the

moon no matter what the phase or the season

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQRNzepe4wI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXseTWTZlks