Answers to Readers' Questions on Our Moon - Astronomy. Also refer to Physics, Physcial Science orbit, phases, craters, diameter, distance, temperature, gravity, orbit, ellipse, astronaut, lunatic, tides,, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Answers to Readers' Questions on Our Moon
The following 40 questions have been answered. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- How else does the Moon affect the Earth?
- Why is the moon crescent at the bottom?
- Does the sun shines on every place of the moon?
- How can we prove the Moon rotates on its axis?
- Astronomical observations from moon surface
- Difference between Waxing and Waning of the Moon
- Phase of moon on Easter April 8, 2007
- What if the Earth's magnetism reversed?
- What were the past stages of the moon?
- What keeps the moon moving in a circle?
How else does the Moon affect the Earth?
Question
December 10, 2008
other than the moon affecting the earths tides, are there any other effects the moon has on the earth?
natascha - USA
16930
Answer
Besides affecting the tides, the gravity of the Moon also affects the thickness of the atmosphere in the same way as the tides. It can also cause a very small shifting of the ground.
The light from the Moon is useful for animals and humans at night. It may have some affect on plants.
The motion of the Moon around the Earth also causes a slight wobble in the Earth's orbit.
Why is the moon crescent at the bottom?
Question
March 12, 2008
I thought a crecent moon always appeared vertically either to the left or right of the moon. I have noticed during the last two months that the crecent appears at the "bottom" like a bowl. Why is that?
D. - USA
15522
Answer
The path of the moon and the angle from the Sun occasionally allow for the crescent to be at the bottom or at the top.
There is an old sailor's saying that if the moon appears like the bottom of a bowl that there will be rain soon. The problem with that saying is that people from a large part of the world see the same view.
Does the sun shines on every place of the moon?
Question
December 1, 2007
Hello,
I have a quick question concerning the sun, moon and earth.
Does the sun shines on every place of the moon during one tour of the earth around the sun?
Best regards,
Reinhart - Belgium
14886
Answer
Since the Moon shows the same face to the Earth as it rotates around the Earth, the Sun should shine on every place during that rotation. The Moon goes around the Earth about 12 times a year, so all parts of the Moon would be exposed to the Sun many times a year.
How can we prove the Moon rotates on its axis?
Question
November 5, 2007
moon rotates about its axis how can we prove it
monna - Pakistan
14708
Answer
If you look at the Moon as it rotates around the Earth, you will see the same side of the Moon facing you. That means the Moon is rotating on its axis at the same rate as it revolves around the Earth. If it did not rotate, you would see the other side of the Moon.
Astronomical observations from moon surface
Question
July 10, 2007
Hi
I am writing an essay on astronomical observations from moon surface vis. a vis. low earth orbiting observatory.Could you please give some points which ought to be included in such an essay.
thank you
- India
14049
Answer
Some points in your essay could be:
1. What are the advantages and disadvantaged of such observations?
2. What problems are there in getting telescopes and other equipment to the moon?
3. How do extreme condition affect observation equipment?
4. Do humans need to be on the moon, or can it be done with machines and robots sending the information via radio waves?
I hope that helps. Best wishes in your essay.
Difference between Waxing and Waning of the Moon
Question
March 21, 2007
What is the difference between Waxing & Waning of the Moon as ooposed to eclipse of the moon? Is there a relation between these two?
Gaurav - India
13404
Answer
Waxing comes after a new Moon and waning comes after the full Moon, as shown in the illustration. They relate to the angle of the Sun on the Moon.
An eclipse of the Moon is when the Earth's shadow covers the Moon. That does not happen often.
Phase of moon on Easter April 8, 2007
Question
March 19, 2007
What phase will the moon be in on Easter April 8,2007?
kendra - USA
13398
Answer
It will be a Waning Gibbous, which is between a Full Moon and the Last Quarter.
What if the Earth's magnetism reversed?
Question
December 18, 2006
What would happen to the moon if the earth's polarity changed?
John - USA
12651
Answer
If the magnetic poles switched on Earth--which they have done every 100,000 years or so--it probably would have little or no effect on the Moon. The magnetic field is quite weak at that distance.
What were the past stages of the moon?
Question
October 29, 2006
What were the past stages of the moon for the following dates in athens,tx? October 11th,2006-October 28th,2006
Marnie - USA
12272
Answer
The picture of the Moon's phase only shows what it is today in Athens, TX. Since the cycle takes 28 days, you can interpolate backwards to get a guess at what the stage is on those dates.
What keeps the moon moving in a circle?
Question
September 11, 2006
3 questions
1.what keeps the moon moving in a circle?
2.what would happen to the moon if this force could be switched off?
3.what would happen if this force on the moon could be made larger?
thank you
cool - UK
11900
Answer
The Moon is moving in space and is being pulled in toward the Earth by gravity. Think of spinning a ball on a string around you. If you let go of the string, the ball will fly off in a straight line.
If gravity was greater, the Moon would be pulled into the Earth because its speed is not enough to keep it in orbit.
Summary
Hopefully, this reader feedback has helped provide useful information to you.
Websites
Books
What do you think?
Do you have any questions, comments, or opinions on this subject? If so, send an email with your feedback. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
Share link
Feel free to establish a link from your website to pages in this site.
Or use our form to send this link to yourself or a friend.
Students and researchers
The Web address of this page is:
www.school-for-champions.com/astronomy/moon_answers.CFM.
Please include it as a reference in your report, document, or thesis.
Where are you now?
Answers to Readers' Questions on Our Moon