Orbital Motion of Our Moon | Phases of the Moon | Surface of the Moon |          Shadows on the Moon
						1. Orbital Motion of Our Moon 50 points
							This project can be performed in two ways. You can observe the moon from night to night and note its motion relative to the constellations or you can observe during one night on special occasions when the Moon has a background star near it in the telescope view. The latter method requires at least two (but many consecutive ones are recommended) separate observations of the Moon on the same night. The Moon is constantly in motion around the Earth. This motion in its orbit accounts for its phases. However, it is possible to see the Moon move in its orbit in real time - not just observing two different positions at two different times and inferring the motion that occurred between the points. You will look for the Moon to move relative to the stars, from night to night, if observing with the naked eye. Alternatively, you will observe the Moon's motion, during one night, relative to a reference star as you look through the telescope. The Moon's motion will be quite slow but it is perceptible. The closer the Moon is to the star the easier it will be to perceive its motion. Make sure to note the phase of the Moon. Guiding questions: In what direction is the Moon moving with respect to the stars? Will the Moon therefore rise earlier or later in the day tomorrow than it did today? What would you expect based on the Sun-Earth-Moon figure on the webpage for the "Phases of the Moon" observing project (hint: note the direction of the Earth's rotation and the Moon's orbital motion)?