Phases of the Moon:

How to Keep a Diary

Question: What am I supposed to do?

Answer: Each time that you find the moon, make a sketch using circles on the next page as a template, showing the phase of the moon. Be sure to do this as accurately as possible, especially noting the directions (i.e., is the Moon in the southeast part of the sky?). Also, measure and note the angular size of the moon and note the time of day.

Question: How do I measure angular sizes in the sky?

Answer: You can use your hand held at arms length to measure angles in the sky. Your finger (any one) is roughly 1^o wide. If you clinch your fist, it is about 10^o wide. If you spread your fingers apart, from the tip of your little finger to the tip of your thumb is around 20^o

Question: When do I need to start on the activity?

Answer: Today.

Question: How often do I need to make these measurements?

Answer: You should make observations every day that you have a clear sky until you've seen one complete cycle of Moon phases. For example, if your first observation was a full moon, your should observe until you see another full moon.

Question: Why is it important to do this?

Answer: Scientific inquiry begins with observations. From observations, you can see patterns and begin to understand the nature of things. From observations associated with this particular moon phases activity, you will begin to understand why the moon goes through phases.

Question: When and where will I be able to find the moon?

Answer: Here is a table of moon phases. If you are looking for the full moon, the best time to find the moon on that day is just at sunset in the eastern sky. After that, you'll have to wait later and later to see the moon rise.

1. What do you think the phase of the moon will be on or about October 19?

2. What time do you think the moon will rise?

Note the following for :

Date       Moon Rise    Moon Set

Full Moon   _____ pm    _____ am

First Quarter _____ am    _____ pm

Interpreting your moon log observations.

This part of the activity is designed to lead you to a thorough understanding of why the moon goes through phases. You will be using the observations of the moon from the last four weeks as you do this activity. Use your observations from the last two weeks to summarize the pattern of lunar phases:

A) Describe how the amount of the moon that appears to be illuminated has changed in the last few weeks.

B) What does the term "waxing" mean? How does this definition relate to the position of the Moon with respect to the Sun?

C) Use your data for your first and last observations of the moon to fill in the following table: