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Moon Illusion

By Janice VanCleave

A fourth grade student recently asked me why the Moon and the Sun seem to follow her no matter where she goes. This is a question asked by many kids, and it is one that is not the easiest to explain. After all, Einstein’s Theory of Relativity is based on where the observer is and […]

Filed Under: Astronomy, Moon Tagged With: Einstein's Theory of Relativity

Moon:Terminator Model

By Janice VanCleave

Dynamic Terminator Model

Comparison Science Project Does the Moon’s terminator move differently when viewed from Earth’s Northern and Southern Hemispheres? Terminator Research If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, correspond with someone who lives in the Southern Hemisphere. The diagram is an example for collecting information in the Northern Hemisphere. The white circle, would be shaded to represent […]

Filed Under: Astronomy, Earth, Moon Tagged With: moon phases, Moon Terminator Model

Moon: Terminator Motion

By Janice VanCleave

Moon's Terminator

Where Is the Moon’s Terminator? How Does the Terminator Appear to Move? As viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, the full moon phase appears to be a white disk-shaped object in the night sky.  From one day to the next, the white disk changes shape as the white, lighted part decreases. The line separating the lighted […]

Filed Under: Astronomy, Earth, Moon Tagged With: model, moon phases

Moon Illusion

By Janice VanCleave

Moonrise

Apparent Distance A fourth grade student recently asked me why the Moon and the Sun seem to follow her no matter where she goes. This is a question asked by many kids, and it is one that is not the easiest to explain. After all, Einstein’s Theory of Relativity is based on where the observer […]

Filed Under: Astronomy, Earth, Moon Tagged With: apparent distance, Moon illusions

Moonshine

By Janice VanCleave

Q: Why is the Moon brighter at night than during the day? A: The Moon is more visible at night because the sky is darker. During the day there are stars in the sky but they are not visible because the Sun’s light makes the sky so bright. Notice how bright the stars look at […]

Filed Under: Astronomy, Moon Tagged With: moonshine

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Welcome to Janice’s Science Extravaganza!

The spoon hanging from the string vibrates when struck and these vibrations are transmitted through the string and the sound is amplified by the plastic cups. ABOUT ME: Hi, I am Janice VanCleave, author of 50 best-selling science experiment books for children ages 4 through high school. I taught science for 27 years. MORE.....

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