Scope on the Skies: The real shape of the Moon's orbit

by: Bob Riddle

In the typical Moon phase lesson, students learn that the rotation period for the Moon is approximately the same as its revolution period around the Earth. However, as your students complete the following activity, they will discover that the Moon's orbit is actually around the Sun, and not around the Earth.

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Type Journal ArticlePub Date 12/1/2006Stock # ss06_030_04_68Volume 030Issue 04

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Rebecca B
Rebecca B

The Real Shape of the Moon's Orbit

This article was well written with a great simple activity for students to complete in order to understand the moon's orbit. It also provides question for the teacher to ask the students.

Adah (San Antonio, TX)
Adah (San Antonio, TX)

The Truth About the Sun, Earth and Moon

The moon rotates one complete time at the same period of time that the Earth rotates on its axis. So which of the following is actually true? The Moon revolves around the Earth or the Eart... See More

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