You are here:

Astronomy/moon,earth, and sun

Advertisement

Expert: Steven LJ Russo - 3/12/2007


Question
why are the distances between the earth and moon and sun listed as an average??

help!!!!!!


Answer
The Moon orbits the Earth in an eliptical orbit, and the planets orbit the Sun in an elliptical orbit.  So that means that the Moon has a far point from the Earth, (apogee), and a near point (perigee), just like the Earth has a far point (Aphelion), and a near point(Perihelion) as it orbits the Sun.

Therefore, the distances are given in "averages".

Steve

Astronomy

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.