Related Links
Project Summary
| Difficulty | 7 – 8 |
| Time required | Very Long (several weeks to months) |
Share this Project Idea!
|
|
|
|
Donate to Science Buddies
|
Internet Safety Tips |
| Get educated about online safety with help from Symantec. symantec.com/norton/familyresources |
| * Note: This is an abbreviated project idea, without notes to start your background research or a procedure for how to do the experiment. You can identify abbreviated project ideas by the asterisk at the end of the title. If you want a project idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk. |
Abstract
Some claim the Moon appears larger when near the horizon. Make a series of observations of the Moon, measuring the Moon's angular diameter each time. You should also note the Moon's altitude above the horizon, and the Moon's phase. You should do background research on the lunar orbit to determine the necessary time period. Do you find predictable variations in the Moon's diameter? Can you relate this to the Moon's changing distance from Earth? From your data, try to determine when apogee and perigee occurred during your observations. Compare your calculated answer with published dates (Pierce, 2005). For another method of measuring the distance to the Moon, see How Far Away Is the Moon?.Bibliography
Pierce, J., 2004. "Ideas for Astronomy Science Fair Projects," Astronomy Program, Minnesota State University, Mankato [accessed July 31, 2006] http://www.mnsu.edu/astro/JP/JPScifair.html.Variations
- For more science project ideas in this area of science, see Astronomy Project Ideas.
Last edit date: 2006-12-14 13:56:56
Career Focus
If you like this project, you might enjoy exploring careers in Astronomy.
 |
Astronomer Astronomers think big! They want to understand the entire universe—the nature of the Sun, Moon, planets, stars, galaxies, and everything in between. An astronomer's work can be pure science—gathering and analyzing data from instruments and creating theories about the nature of cosmic objects—or the work can be applied to practical problems in space flight and navigation, or satellite communications. |
|
Join Science Buddies
Become a Science Buddies member! It's free! As a member you will be the first to receive our new and innovative project ideas, news about upcoming science competitions, science fair tips, and information on other science related initiatives.
Support Science Buddies
If this website has helped you, won't you consider a small gift so we may continue developing resources to help teachers and students?
|
