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Astronomy/(some astronomy questions)

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Expert: Steven LJ Russo - 2/3/2008


Question
Why does a total eclipse of the moon not occur every time the moon is full?

Where do the highest tides on Earth occur?

If the moon were eclipsed, which portion on the lighted disk would be dark first?

At what phase of the moon do lunar, solar, and annular eclipses occur?

What causes the change and illumination of the moon?

Answer
The Moon and Earth do not always get into a "perfect" alignment at every Full Moon.

That all depends upon the shoreline, and the exact time of the high tides.  One of the highest tidal ranges is the Bay of Fundy.

The left side, as seen from the Earth.

Lunar is during a Full Moon.  Solar and Annular are during the New Moon.

As the Moon orbits the Earth, we see different parts of it iluminated.

Steve

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Steven LJ Russo

Expertise

As a space science educator in a planetarium, my work centers around teaching people about the night sky and the solar system. I have a strong background in those areas, plus the history of NASA and spaceflight, and meteorology.

Experience

Experience in the area. I have been an amateur astronomer for 47 years, and have been teachng space science in planetariums for 34 years. For 15 years I was a radio and television meteorologist, and for the past 20 years I have been a space science writer for two newspapers in New York State. I am a member of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society and the International Planetarium Society. I have had a number of articles published in several astronomy journals, including "The Constellation" and the "Planetarian". Education/Credentials. I hold a B. S. from Wagner College and an M. S. from State University of New York at Oswego. Awards and Honors. I have been awarded the "Fellows" award from the International Planetarium Society for more than 20 years of continuous service in the planetarium field.

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