Earth's only natural satellite is simply called "the Moon" because people didn't know other moons existed until Galileo Galilei discovered four moons orbiting Jupiter in 1610.
Earth's MoonThe Moon rotates on its axis and revolves around the Earth. This of course occurring at the same time the Earth is also rotating and revolving around the Sun.
These motions cause many different natural phenomenons we experience on Earth to occur some of which include solar eclipses, lunar eclipses and the different phases of the Moon that we will explore during this module. |
The Moon's Rotation & Revolution
- The Moon makes a complete revolution around Earth in approximately 27.3 Earth days and rotates at that same rate (same amount of time).
- Because Earth is also rotating on its axis as it orbits the Sun – from the Earth's perspective, the Moon appears to orbit us every 29 Earth days and is the basis for the 12 months of the year in our calendar.
Because the period (time) of the Moon’s rotation and period of its revolution around the Earth are nearly the same. The same side of the Moon always faces Earth!
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The Moon DOES NOT Make it's Own Light!
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Celestial Phenomena is Extremely Predictable!
The motions of the Sun-Earth-Moon are very predictable, therefore predicting future Moon phases, eclipses and tides is also very predictable.
What will be the moon phase be on your next birthday?
When will the next eclipse occur?
When will the next eclipse occur?
Video Guide:
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Topic Tips
- The Moon rotates on its axis and revolves around the Earth as the Earth is also rotating and revolving around the Sun. These motions create interesting phenomenons to occur including moon phases and eclipses.
- The Moon makes a complete orbit around Earth in 27 Earth days and rotates at that same rate.
- The moon does not make its own light. The light we see from the Moon is reflected sunlight that reaches Earth.