The Moon rises in the east and sets in the west, just like the Sun does, only at different times (depending on the phase of the Moon). But when I ask this question of my students, some will say the Moon is always up. I see this so much, even after instruction, that I'm beginning to think "up" means something different to them than it does to me! To me, "up" means above the horizon - the Sun is up during the day, but it is not up at night. So what does "up" mean to you?
2006-09-23 15:02:06 · 14 answers · asked by kris 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
And what does "in the sky" mean?
2006-09-23 15:05:47 · update #1
in the sky would mean visable. but the moon is always up, after all you never would get to it by either diging down or driving a car in a horizontal direction, the only way is up!
2006-09-23 15:24:59 · answer #1 · answered by head_banger_yyc 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When I say the Moon is "up", I'm saying that it is visible from my position on Earth. Consider a simple world - the ground is beneath us - therefore down - so the sky would be "up".
I'm sure "in the sky" refers to being in orbit around the Earth. I'm sure your students, if they're not in Kansas, would know that even though the Moon is not visible, it hasn't just fallen off the solar system charts. :) So to have them say that the Moon is always up, could mean that they recognize that the Moon continues to exist (and potentially be visible) regardless of the lunar calendar.
It could also just be a visibility thing - you can see the Moon overhead sometimes during the day - hence, the Moon is always up. I mean, we do say that the Moon is low or is big, when it's near the horizon. It's a generic and subjective term.
2006-09-23 15:21:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have always taken "up" to mean "visible." "In the sky" also means "visible" to me. There may be some debate when only a portion is visible. Some may feel that the entire moon or sun must be visible. But I feel the Sun has not set until it is not visible. Perhaps others feel it has not risen until all of it is visible. All of these comments are based on what one would see with a clear sky.
2006-09-23 16:19:59 · answer #3 · answered by BCC 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are many times when both the sun and moon can be seen in the sky at the same time just not in the same place-unless it is an eclipse
Up does mean what you think but it is a bit confusing at times
2006-09-23 15:12:37 · answer #4 · answered by rwl_is_taken 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
UP means "above the horizon" whether you are talking about the Sun, the Moon or any celestial object.
2006-09-23 17:01:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm with you - I'm not sure what they mean. The only thing I can think of is that they mean the Moon is never actually resting on the Earth! Perhaps it might be clearer if you say "when the Moon is visible." Good luck to you.
2006-09-23 15:10:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Above the horizon.
2006-09-23 16:33:49 · answer #7 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forget about us. Some of your students are trying to be smart or smartalecs. They know what you mean. They know about the moon orbiting the Earth. They are trying to show off that they know about the moon's orbit. At least I hope that is what is going on.
2006-09-23 15:59:53 · answer #8 · answered by Jack 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I teach space as part of 6th grade science. Kids have no concept of rotation or revolution for that matter. Therefore, to them UP means I CAN SEE IT. And IN THE SKY means its no HIDDEN BY THE GROUND.
2006-09-23 15:11:34 · answer #9 · answered by philotigers2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Washing Ironing Food and Entertainment,
2016-03-27 05:45:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋