The Joseph R. Lynch Observatory at Drexel University

Astronomy for Teachers, 2nd session: 26 November 2007

Moon Phases with Oranges

This is the fourth time that I've run the Earth-Moon-Sun lab (with clementine oranges, of course!), and it still seems to be a hit. A copy of the lab itself is available (in PDF format), if you want to make copies for yourself, or for your class.

Remember: Make them stand up and move around! If the students try and do it from their chairs, it just won't work. Plus, if they move around, they'll be less likely to fall asleep.

More on the Moon

• The ESA's Rosetta comet orbiter recently flew by Earth and got some great images of both Earth and the Moon and Europe.
• A full Lunation cycle, from the Astronomy Picture of the Day.
• Explore the Moon, with Google Moon.
• Clementine Explores the Moon, a presentation from the Lunar and Planetary Institute, including a topographic map of the moon.
• Kaguya hi-def movie of the Moon from JAXA (the Japanese space agency).

The Joseph R. Lynch Observatory has been made possible by the Generosity of Joseph R. Lynch '58 and the GE Foundation.