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Chapter 3: Problem 10

On a certain date the Moon is in the direction of the constellation Gemini as seen from Earth. When will the Moon next be in the direction of Gemini: one sidereal month later, or one synodic month later? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The Moon will next be in the direction of Gemini after one sidereal month, not one synodic month.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding sidereal and synodic months

First, remember that a sidereal month is the period of the Moon's orbit as defined by its motion with respect to the stars. It is approximately 27.3 days. On the other hand, a synodic month is the time that elapses between two successive conjunctions with the Sun, which is approximately 29.5 days. A synodic month is the period of the Moon's phases, as it is the time that elapses between two successive occurrences of the same phase (such as from full moon to full moon).
02

Applying knowledge about sidereal and synodic months

The Moon will be in the same position with respect to the stars (that is, in this case, back to Gemini) after one sidereal month, not a synodic month. This is because the sidereal month takes into account the relative positions of the Moon and the stars, while synodic month takes into account the relative positions of the Moon, Earth and the Sun.

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