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Astronomy/moon distance from the earth
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Question
Is the moon at night closer to the earth at the equator than in California USA? Would one see an eclipse better because of this at the equator?
Hello,
The answer to your questions are 'no' and 'no'. No, the moon is not closer to the Earth at the equator because distances are measured from the center of the Earth to the center of the Moon. Thus, if the distance shortens for one point on Earth - say when the Moon is closest to Earth at perigee- then the distance shortens for ALL. So, no, one would not see an eclipse (such as the lunar one that just occurred) better at the equator.
The key point for a lunar eclipse best being seen, is to be well within the nightside of Earth so the whole eclipse- from first contact until the last - is visible.
Hope this clears things up!
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Answers by Expert:
Philip Stahl
Expertise
I have forty years of experience in Astronomy, specifically solar and space physics. My specialties include the physics of solar flares, sunspots, including their effects on Earth and statistics as applied to astronomical investigations.
Experience
Astronomy: more than forty years experience starting with construction of my own simple telescopes. Worked at university observatory in college, doing astrographic measurements. M.Phil. degree in Physics/Solar Physics and more than ten years as researcher.
Organizations
American Astronomical Society (Solar Physics and Dynamical Astronomy divisions), American Mathematical Society, American Geophysical Union
Publications
Solar Physics (journal), The Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, The Proceedings of the Meudon Solar Flare Workshop (1986), The Proceedings of the Caribbean Physics Conference (1985). Books: 'Selected Analyses in Solar Flare Plasma Dynamics', 'Physics Notes for Advanced Level'.
Education/Credentials
B.A. Astronomy, M. Phil. Physics
Awards and Honors
American Astronomical Society Studentship Award (1984), Barbados Government Award for Solar Research
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