The Magnificant March Moon - 2011

Were you one of the lucky people who had a sunrise or sunset view of the moon this past Saturday?  If you did manage to see it as it rose you were a very lucky person.  Many were unable to get a glimps because of cloud cover or other bad weather. Some of us (sheepish grin) simply forgot to look for it that evening.  While I DID see it on Sunday morning, I was unable to see it as it was setting.  My camera did not like the cold (27 degrees here at 5:30 a.m.) and simply shut down after a while.  This was expecially upsetting since I had decided on a very special place to watch it set, high on a hill at a local conservation area.  Oh, well.  I did a Google search and found some stunning photos.  This is one of my favorites.

In this photo provided by NASA, the full moon is seen as it rises near the Lincoln Memorial, Saturday, March 19, in Washington.

I think this is amazing.  Besides the beauty of the moon, it shows off the Lincoln Memorial!  If you have never visited Washington, DC you should go at some point.  Put it on your "bucket list" and have a great time.  If you are a teacher of older students, seriously consider a trip.  It is so worth the time and expense.  Our history there for the exploring!  Anyway, enough of that. 

Below are pictures I took on Sunday morning, very early.  I actually started in my backyard, shooting pictures as I walked to the street.  Then I more-or-less walked down the middle of the street and into a recreation area on the opposite side...again, taking pictures as I went. 

Facing West, the moon has begun to descend. 

Ok, I admit it.  I really like views of the moon/stars that are over wooded areas.  Like this!

  Science of The Supermoon 

                                                                                                              

The "supermoon" phenomenon occurred because the moon was in its "full phase" and just 50 minutes past  the point of its orbit that brings it closer to Earth.  This point is named perigee.  This happens because the moon does not orbit around the earth in a perfect circle.  The orbit is more of a sphere...think slightly the shape of an egg with the earth more-or-less in the middle.  A very clear explanation of this can be found at

http://www.space.com/11176-supermoon-science-scoop-biggest-full-moon.html

According to NASA scientists, Saturday's full moon appeared 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than the smallest full moons Earth sees, though the difference wasn't immediately apparent to some skywatchers.

So now what?  I will continue to watch the moon and appreciate the beauty/mystery above us.  I hope that my very amateur skills in astronomy can provide some pleasure and learning as time passes and I make more blog entries. 

For those who would like to teach and share with children, or would like more information, I have added some resources below.  I hope that you find them useful.

Resources

http://www.space.com/
This site has much useful information including pictures.

 http://www.middleschoolscience.com/moonphases.htm
Moon Phases Daily Log from http://www.middleschoolscience.com/
The Middle School Science site has a wide variety of lessons on many subjects. 

Lesson Plan for older students.  "Telling Time by the Light of the Moon"
http://www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/free-lesson-plans/telling-time-by-the-light-of-the-moon.cfm

A printable page showing the phases of the moon via photographs.  It is used with the lesson above.
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/worksheets/lightofthemoon/worksheet1.html

How about making a flip book of the phases of the moon?  I know there are templates/patterns available, but I was not able to find any on the internet.  If anybody does find one would you please share?  If I find my version I will scan it and add it here at a later date.  Below is a link to an ehow tutorial on science flip books
http://www.ehow.com/list_5923203_flip-book-science-ideas.html