Motion of the Moon



The Moon.
Click on image for full size (130K JPEG)
Image courtesy of NASA.
The Moon is one of the largest objects in our sky. You may not notice the moon much. In fact, many people don't realize that you can see the moon both during the night and during the day, depending on its phase..

Yet the moon is very important to us. Even though it is small, it is close to us and it's gravity causes the ocean tides. We use its orbit to define a unit of time: the month.

Motion of the Moon



The Moon.
Click on image for full size (130K JPEG)
Image courtesy of NASA.
The Moon is one of the largest celestial objects in our sky. We are so accustomed to its motions that it may go unnoticed for long periods of time. Many people are unaware that the Moon is visible during the day at certain times, depending on its phase.

Yet the Moon has a daily influence on our lives. Even though it is small, it is close to us and it's gravity causes the ocean tides. We use its orbit to define a fundamental unit of time for us: the month.

Motion of the Moon



The Moon.
Click on image for full size (130K JPEG)
Image courtesy of NASA.
The Moon is one of the largest celestial objects in our sky. We are so accustomed to its motions that it may go unnoticed for long periods of time. Many people are unaware that the Moon is visible during the day at certain times.

Yet the Moon has a daily influence on our lives. Even though it is small, it is close to us and its gravity causes the ocean tides. We use its orbit to define a fundamental unit of time for us: the month. And its phases continually remind us of the ongoing circle dance of the Earth, Moon, and the Sun.


Last modified prior to September, 2000 by the Windows Team

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