Observing natural satellites

In this activity, students observe how the Moon appears to move across the sky each hour, as well as over several days. They discuss how both the rotation of the Earth as well as the satellite motion of the Moon cause this apparent motion.

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

• point out the path that the Moon appears to travel across the sky each day or night and how far the Moon appears to move each hour

• describe how this apparent motion is caused by the spinning of the Earth on its axis

• record the change in position of the Moon in the sky at the same time each evening or early morning

• describe how this apparent change in position is caused by the Moon orbiting the Earth

• observe Jupiter’s four largest natural satellites and measure how long it takes each to orbit Jupiter.

Download the Word file (see link below) for:

• introduction/background notes

• what you need

• what to do

• student handouts

• discussion questions

• extension ideas.