Chapter 10: Problem 46

Observe the Moon through a telescope every few nights over a period of two weeks between new moon and full moon. Make sketches of various surface features, such as craters, mountain ranges, and maria. How does the appearance of these features change with the Moon's phase? Which features are most easily seen at a low angle of illumination? Which features show up best with the Sun nearly overhead?

Short Answer

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Based on the observations, the Moon's surface features such as craters, mountain ranges, and maria change noticeably with its phases. Typically, craters and mountains are more visible at low angles of illumination, while maria are more easily seen when the Sun is nearly overhead.

Step by step solution

Observations and Sketches

Over the course of two weeks, observe the moon every few nights using a telescope. Pay special attention to features such as craters, mountain ranges, and maria. Make sketches of these features, being sure to record the date and lunar phase (i.e., new moon, crescent, first quarter, gibbous, or full moon). At each observation, also note the angle of illumination, which can be defined as the angle between the sun, an object, and the observer.

Documenting the Changes

Over the period of observations, compare the sketches from different lunar phases, noting any changes in the appearance of surface features. Pay attention to which features become more prominent and which become less visible as the moon phase changes. Also, record which features are most noticeable at different angles of illumination.

Drawing Conclusions

After completing all the observations and comparing the sketches, draw conclusions about the changes in the Moon’s appearance with its phase. Take into consideration which features stood out at low vs. high angles of illumination and when the Sun was nearly overhead. It's often observed that craters and mountain ranges show up better at low angles of illumination due to shadow effects, whereas flat maria are more easily seen when the sun is nearly overhead.

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Short Answer

Step by step solution

Observations and Sketches

Documenting the Changes

Drawing Conclusions

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