Astronomy/Earth and light

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Expert: Steven LJ Russo - 5/26/2004


Question
This is really a silly question, but it's killing me and I'm so excited to have someone to ask. I could ask you a 1000 questions.
Does the earth project a shadow?  It seems to me that the sun would cause it to, but how would you see it in space? If you have nothing better to do than answer this silly question I would appreciate hearing anything on the subject.

Thanking you in advance,  
Audrey

Answer

Hi Audrey.

Not a silly question.  Actually, lots of folks, including teachers, ask me that.

Yes, the Earth does project a shadow.  During a Lunar Eclipse, you are actually watching the shadow of the Earth move across the Moon.

Also, when the astronauts were on the Moon, not only did the Sun create shadows, but the Earth did too.  That's why shadows on the Moon went in different directions, depending upon where the Sun and Earth were in the sky.

Steve

www.look-to-the-skies.com

Astronomy

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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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