Astronomy 1A
Lunar Phases & Eclipses
Al.
One lunar orbital period relative to the stars is called a
(sidereal/synodic) period,
and it is
days long. The time it takes the moon to
complete all the phases is called
(sidereal/synodic) period, and it is
days long. Why are these two
periods different? Be specific in your answer.
2. Explain why you cannot observe the Sun and the full moon in
the sky at the same time.
3. Even though the new moon is above the horizon nearly half the
time, you can never observe the new
moon directly. why?