The Moon is the largest and brightest object in Earth's night sky, showcasing phases and varied sizes due to its elliptical orbit. It provides critical insights, indicating that the Earth is round, as evidenced by the orientation and the shadow during lunar eclipses. The Moon’s changes in appearance through its orbit demonstrate its elliptical path. Observations reveal Earth’s reflectivity through Earthshine. Lunar observations also highlight the atmosphere's scattering effects, notably during moonrise. Additionally, the Moon features crustal formations like mountains and craters, which are evident during solar eclipses.
The Earth is round, not flat. The Moon's observed orientation is heavily latitude-dependent. The Earth's spheroidal shadow appears globally during lunar eclipses.
The Moon's orbit is elliptical, not circular. The Moon's apparent size changes throughout its orbit. Over 50% of the lunar face is visible from Earth.
It reveals the reflectivity of the Earth. Observing the crescent Moon's darkened portions reveals Earth's reflectivity, or albedo.
Earth's atmosphere transmits more red light than blue. During moonset/moonrise, the Moon appears reddened.
The Moon has mountains, valleys, and high-rimmed craters. Baily's beads arise during solar eclipses, showcasing a complex lunar topography.
Collection
[
|
...
]