A student models the phases of the Moon by using a golf ball to represent the Moon and a lamp to represent the Sun. The student represents Earth. They turn off the lights so the lamp is the only light in the room. They hold the golf ball out in front of them and rotate in place to show the movement of Earth and moon. As they look at the ball, they can see different amounts of light and shadow on the ball, resembling the phases of the Moon as it orbits Earth. Where should the student hold the golf ball to see a new moon and why?
The student should hold the golf ball between the lamp and themselves (Earth) in order to see a new moon.
During a new moon, the Sun, Moon, and Earth are positioned in a straight line, with the Moon being in the middle. As a result, only the side of the Moon that is facing away from the Sun is visible from Earth, making it appear dark or invisible.
By holding the golf ball between the lamp and themselves (Earth), the student is replicating this alignment and positioning themselves as if they were on Earth observing a new moon.
To see a new moon, the student should hold the golf ball between themselves and the lamp, blocking the lamp's light from shining directly on the ball. This position represents the alignment of the Moon, Earth, and Sun during a new moon.
During a new moon, the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, with the illuminated side of the Moon facing away from Earth. Holding the golf ball between themselves and the lamp simulates this alignment, creating a shadow on the side of the ball that is facing the student. Since the illuminated side is not visible in this position, it represents the phase of the new moon.