Incorrect Choice!
Your choice was for the
moon to rise straight
up from the horizon.
Animated
moon rise on Aug. 28, 2004. Photo
by Donald Collins
Physics Photo of the Week is
published weekly during the academic year on Fridays by the Warren
Wilson College Physics
Department. These photos feature an interesting phenomena in
the world around us. Students, faculty, and others are invited to
submit digital (or film) photographs for publication and
explanation. Atmospheric phenomena are especially welcome.
Please send any photos to dcollins@warren-wilson.edu.The animation shows that the moon
appears to rise toward the
southeast
at a slant to the horizon when viewed from the northern
hemisphere. If viewed from the earth's equator, the moon would
rise straight up, perpendicular to the horizon. From the southern
hemisphere, the moon rises in a slanted path inclined to the north.
Your choice would be the view from the equator. The daily rise of the moon, sun, and stars runs parallel to the celestial equator which is an extension of the earth's equator. The angle of the celestial equator in the sky depends on the viewer's latitude. The farther away from the earth's equator, the more the angle of the celestial equator tilts away from the vertical.
The "star-like" object that remains stationary in the sequence is not a star, but a defect in the camera called a "Hot pixel". If it were a star, it would rise roughly in-step with the moon.
Your choice would be the view from the equator. The daily rise of the moon, sun, and stars runs parallel to the celestial equator which is an extension of the earth's equator. The angle of the celestial equator in the sky depends on the viewer's latitude. The farther away from the earth's equator, the more the angle of the celestial equator tilts away from the vertical.
The "star-like" object that remains stationary in the sequence is not a star, but a defect in the camera called a "Hot pixel". If it were a star, it would rise roughly in-step with the moon.
Click here to see all Physics Photo of the Week for 2004.