Decide whether this statement makes sense and explain why it does or does not.
4. This morning I saw the full moon setting at about the same time the Sun was rising
2007-09-11 15:36:22 · 9 answers · asked by meismeandimail 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It makes perfect sense. When there is a full moon, the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth than the Sun. So as the sun rises, the moon is setting.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
2007-09-11 15:42:16 · answer #1 · answered by ngc7331 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally speaking it is correct. The sun and moon are on opposite sides of the sky when the moon is full. However...
unless the moon is exactly (and, I mean exactly) opposite each other in the sky the moon is not exactly full. Some shadows can be seen on the moon from Earth, meaning it is not really full. The only time the moon is exactly full is when it is exactly in the center of the shadow of the Earth, and at that point it is in total eclipse. Fortunately it can (usually) still be seen due to the refraction of sunlight by the atmosphere of the Earth.
It would seem, in addition, that the entire full moon (even if it were in eclipse) and the entire sun could not be seen in the sky at the same time, this is not so. The refraction of the atmosphere of the Earth causes the sun to seem to rise before it really does (it's light and image is bent around the horizon by the atmosphere) and the light and image of the moon "stays" above the horizon a little longer for the same reason. So, when the moon is full and the sun is just risen it is possible to see them both at the same time.
In summary, your statement is valid and quite possible.
2007-09-11 16:02:52 · answer #2 · answered by David A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It makes sense if is in its full phase. At that time, the Moon is directly opposite the Sun; it rises and the Sun sets and sets as the Sun rises, being visible all night long.
It wouldn't make sense if you literally meant *this* morning, meaning September 12, because the Moon is in its new phase right now. A new Moon is invisible because it is on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and its illuminated side points away from us.
2007-09-11 18:14:47 · answer #3 · answered by stork5100 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That makes sense. The full Moon must be opposite the Sun as seen in the sky, so the one rises as the other sets. If the whole face of the Moon is lit up by the Sun, then the Sun must be directly behind you as you face the Moon.
2007-09-11 15:47:36 · answer #4 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, that's exactly what happens with a full moon or almost full moon.
The Full moon sets as the sun rises and rises as the sun sets.
That's why it is FULL otherwise it would be LESS than full!
2007-09-11 16:05:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
the moon rises in the east and sets in the west likes the sun.
2007-09-11 19:47:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is absolutely correct, at full moon, the sun and moon are on opposite sides of the earth.
2007-09-11 15:45:50 · answer #7 · answered by Renaissance Man 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this makes complete sense. the sun and the moon arent constantly on the exact opposite side of earth, thats why you get a solar eclipse and you can sometimes see the moon in the day.
2007-09-11 15:42:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
that why people dont live on the sun and moon
and it teaches a lesson,
like the sun will burn you up, and everyone cant live on the moon
2007-09-11 16:29:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋