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Chapter 10: Problem 27

If you view the Moon through a telescope, you will find that details of its craters and mountains are more visible when the Moon is near first quarter phase or third quarter phase than when it is at full phase. Explain why.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The details of Moon's craters and mountains are more visible during first quarter and third quarter phases because the angle of sunlight creates long shadows, highlighting their detail and contrast. During the full moon phase, sunlight hits directly with minimal shadows, reducing the detail visibility.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Lunar Phases

Initially, it's necessary to understand that the moon has four primary phases: New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Third Quarter. These phases are determined by the positions of the Moon and Sun relative to the Earth.
02

Full Moon Phase

During full moon phase, the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, so the entire lit portion of the Moon is seen (making the moon appear 'full'). However, the sunlight is hitting the Moon's surface directly, so shadows in the craters and mountains are minimal or non-existent, which reduces detail when viewed from Earth.
03

First and Third Quarter Moon Phases

During first and third quarter phases, the Moon is at right angles to the Earth-Sun line, so we see it half-illuminated (hence the name 'quarter'). In these lunar phases, the sunlight hits the Moon's surface at an oblique angle, causing long shadows to be cast by the mountains and rim edges of craters, thereby giving them more detail and contrast when viewed through a telescope.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Some people who supported the fission theory proposed that the Pacific Ocean basin is the scar left when the Moon pulled away from the Earth. Explain why this idea is probably wrong.

Why are there no sedimentary rocks on the Moon?

Use the Starry Night Enthusiast \({ }^{\mathrm{TM}}\) program to examine the Moon. Select Solar System > Moon from the Favourites menu. (If desired, remove the image of the astronaut by clicking on Feet in the View menu) You can rotate the image of the Moon by placing the mouse cursor over the image, holding down the mouse button, and moving the mouse. (On a two-button mouse, hold down the left mouse button.) (a) From what you can see in the image, what evidence can you find that the Moon is geologically inactive? Explain. (b) Spreading outward from some of the largest craters on the Moon are straight lines of lightcolored material called rays that were caused by material ejected outward by the impact that caused the crater. Rotate the Moon around to see the entire illuminated surface. Can you find any rays on the Moon? Zoom in on the Moon to examine various surface features such as craters and mountain ranges. Estimate the length of several rays extending from craters by measuring their length on the screen with a ruler and comparing them to the diameter of the Moon, which is about 30 minutes of arc when seen from Earth. Collaborative Exercise

No Apollo mission landed on the far side of the Moon. Why do you suppose this was? What would have been the scientific benefits of a mission to the far side?

Why is the Earth geologically active while the Moon is not?
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