Launchpad: Moon Magic
Learn about the effects the moon has on Earth. See what the difference is between an apogee moon and a perigee moon and what role the moon's orbit plays in both. Compare the moon illusion to its angular size.
Discussion and writing prompts
1. The Moon sometimes appears much larger than at other times. What are two reasons the Moon's apparent size can change? Explain the difference between the Moon actually being closer to Earth (perigee) and the Moon illusion, which makes the Moon appear larger near the horizon even though its angular size has not changed.
2. Our eyes and brains can sometimes make objects appear different from reality. Why is it important for scientists to rely on measurements and evidence instead of observations alone? Describe another example, from science or your own experience, where careful measurements helped explain something that looked surprising or misleading.
3. The Moon follows a predictable orbit around Earth, causing regular changes in its distance from Earth and its appearance. Explain how scientists use patterns (like the Moon’s orbit) and mathematical models to predict what we will observe in the night sky?
Background
Grades 3 through 12
- NOAA SciJinks What Causes Tides? (webpage/video)
- Lunary and Planetary Institute We're Going to the Moon -- Moon Posters (webpage)
Grades 4 through 12
- NASA eClips Our World: The Moon’s Impact on Earth (video)
- NASA eClips Our World: Moon Phases (video)
- NASA Solar System Exploration: Earth's Moon (webpage)
- NASA Earth's Moon (webpage)
- NASA Tides (webpage)
- NASA Earth's Moon Resources (webpage/interactives)
Activities
Grades 3 through 12
- NASA eClips Guide Lites: Distance to the Moon (pdf)
- V.A.L.U.E. Bundle: Earth’s Moon (pdf)
- NASA Moon Interactives (webpage/interactives)
- NASA Build Your Own Cutout Moon (pdf)
- NASA Moon Interactives (webpage/interactives)
Grades 4 through 8
- Lunar and Planetary Institute Dance of the Moon and Oceans (webpage)
Grades 8 through 12
- Rice Space Institute Plotting the Moon (pdf)