What if ... ?

What if ... ?

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This task is about how the orbit of the Moon affects what we see from Earth.

Question

the moon's orbit around the Earth
 
a)  If the Moon's orbit was 100 000 km further away from the Earth and nothing else changed, what would the Moon look like?

    • It would not be able to be seen at all from the Earth.

    • The Moon would look smaller.

    • It would look brighter.

    • The Moon would always look like a full moon.

    • It would look the same as it does now.

Question

b)  If the Moon's orbit was around the Earth's poles, rather than the equator, and nothing else changed, how would the Moon look from the Earth?

    • Not seen, as the Earth would block the Sun's light from the Moon's surface.

    • Always as a full moon throughout the lunar month.

    • Invisible, because it would always be in a new moon phase.

    • As it does now, except that it would appear in a different part of the night sky.

Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online with auto-marking
Copyright: 
the moon
Image source: (c) J.Fisher, PhotoKete | permission for educational use in Aotearoa New Zealand
Level:
4
Curriculum info: 
Science, Communicating in science, Planet Earth
Keywords: 
astronomical systems, Moon, orbits
Description of task: 
Task: Answer 2 multiple choice questions about how we would see Moon from Earth if its orbit changed. Assessment focus: relationship of Sun, Earth, and Moon.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Interpret representations
This resource provides opportunities to consider how changes in the Moon's orbit affect things on Earth.
Science capabilities: 
Interpret representations
Answers/responses: 
    Y8 (05/1999)
a) B (The Moon would look smaller.) moderate
b) D (As it does now, except that it would appear in a different part of the night sky.) moderate