Moon, Sun and Seasons Lab

Note: Remember you are responsible for graphs, charts and other items that form part of the overall summary of this topic.

Background: You have probably noticed that as the seasons change, the sun's height in the sky changes.  During the long days of summer, the sun's altitude is high for most locations in the United States.  As winter approaches, however, the days get shorter and the sun's maximum altitude becomes lower.  You may not have noticed the monthly and yearly variations that the moon experiences in its maximum altitude.  This lab will show you that variation.

Materials:

• graph paper

• five (5) different colored pencils or markers

Procedure:

• obtain materials

• the data table gives the maximum altitudes on the moon and sun on selected dates for an observer at 40° N latitude for a certain year.  Use a colored pencil to plot the sun's maximum altitude using an asterisk (*) for each of the dates given.  Connect the asterisks to form a smooth curve.

• using different colored pencils, plot the maximum altitude of the moon for each of the dates in the data table.  Use a number sign (#) for a new moon; a dot (.) for first quarter moon; a circle (O) for the last quarter moon; and an "X" for a full moon.  Once your points are plotted, connect all similar points in smooth curves.  You will have a total of five (5) different curves.

Data Table:

Graph:

For the graph, you are plotting altitude (in degrees) along the y-axis and the twelve (12) months of the year along the x-axis.  Below is a sample of the graph layout. 

Note: Be aware that this graph is not completely labeled - you are expected to label the graph completely (i.e. axis labels; graph title).

Analysis & Conclusions:

1. On your graph, compare the new moon's maximum altitudes throughout the year to the curve connecting the sun's maximum

    altitudes.  Why do the new moon's altitudes parallel the path of the sun?

2. During which months is the sun highest and lowest in the sky?  During which months is the full moon highest and lowest in

    the sky?

3. What is the relationship between the sun's noon altitude and the maximum altitude of the full moon?

4. What effect does Earth's tilt have on the altitudes of the sun and the full moon?  How is this shown on your graph?

Remember to use the proper format when writing up this lab.

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