Lunar Phases Simulation
Remember that these simulations are models. Some aspects of the models are the same as the real system but some are not. For example, the sizes of the objects and the distances between them are not drawn to scale. In addition, the Moon’s orbit is tilted and the Moon, the Sun, and Earth are not usually in the same plane.
Use this simulation to further explore the Earth–Sun–Moon system. The simulation changes the phase names according to visual perception. Do not worry about the exact percentage shown when the name changes.
Try stepping through time by hours or days and explore what happens when you move the Moon in its orbit. Be sure to investigate the Time Tickmarks, the Lunar Landmark, and the Moonrise/Moonset Line. What do you notice? What questions do you have?
Complete the table on Handout 1.
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