Sun, Earth, and Moon
General Questions
1. The Earth's surface rcccivcs only about 50% of the Sun's incoming solar radiation(insolation).
What is the primary reason for the loss of so much solar radiation? Please complete sentences throughout this report.
2. What are the albedo values for both the Earth and the Moon? Be sure to cite your reference. (reference to lecture notes is not adequate.)
3. If you were in a space ship at a point halfway between Earth and Sun, which would appear brighter to you. the Earth or the Moon? Explain. (In this diagram size and distance are not to scale.)
4. Assume you have two identical cars,expect that one is white and the other black.You park these cars in the sun for one hour.Which car would have a higher temperature,or would both cars have the same temperature ?Explain.
Phase of the Moon
a) Complete the Table below for the month of------. Your instructor will designate the month to work on. You can obtain a lunar calendar from the worldwide web. e.g. Google or Stardate Online
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Moon Phase
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Day of the Month
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New
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First Quater
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Full
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Last Quater
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b) When is the waxing Moon a crescent ?Example : The waxing moon is a crescent between the new and first quater.
c)When is the waxing Moon gibbous?
d) When is the waning Moon a crescent?
e) What is a 'blue moon'?
2. The diagram below shows the relative positions of the Sun, Earth and Moon at a time when the Moon is in its full phase. You are looking at this picture as if you were above the Northpole of the Earth. Thus the Moon is revolving around the Earth in a counterclockwise direction. Sizes and distances arc not drawn to scale in these diagrams.
If you were an astronaut on the Moon facing at that time,how would the Earth appear to you ?Would it look like a fully-lit earth,or a dark Earth at night ?Explain.
3.In the diagram below indicate with a small arrow where you would be at sunset.The Earth is rotating in a counterclockwise direction in this picture.Where would the full moon appear at sunset?(Circle the correct answer.)
A.Near the Eastern horizon
B.Overhead
C. Near the Western horizon