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Astronomy/The moon
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Question
Hi,
Im in year 10 and currently doing a project on the full moon and need to know if its only in the sky for that one night it comes out or does it last for other nights too?
Hello,
Technically, the phase known as "full Moon" occurs specifically for a particular alignment of Sun, Earth and Moon. We say that the Moon is "in opposition" (e.g. 180 degrees away from) the Sun, so that the Moon rises when the Sun sets.
Since this can only occur for a specific time and date (there is only one Moon rising time corresponding to one simultaneous Sun setting time), it means the full Moon can only be visible for one night - though it will *appear* to be full (when you observe it) on other nights.
Hope this helps!
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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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