Exercise No.

8:
The Earth, Moon and Stars
Introduction
The sun is recognized today to be a medium-sized star of average brightness
powered by the nuclear fusion of the element hydrogen into helium. The sun is
approximately 1,395,000 kilometers in diameter compared to the 12,756 km
diameter of the earth. It is tilted about 70o from the “ecliptic plane” (e.g. the
path of earth’s orbit) and rotates on its axis once in about 9 hours.

Another important object/feature associated with the earth is the moon which
is considered as a natural satellite.The most obvious surface features of the
moon are its craters, plains, and mountain ranges. The moon has a diameter
of 3,476 km and approximately one-sixth the gravitational attraction of earth
at its surface. The moon has an iron core, a molten mantle, and silicate crust
much like that of earth. It orbits the earth at an 8° incline with respect to the
earth's ecliptic. The incline in the moon's orbit makes the monthly full moon
possible when earth is nearer the sun. It is believed that geological action has
virtually ceased on the moon since its formation 4.5 billion years ago; although
seismometers placed there by Apollo astronauts in the 1970s have registered
quakes that are probably the result of gravitational forces exerted at its
surface.

Learning Outcomes
In this exercise, the students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate that the earth rotates on its axis.

2. Explain the cause of earth’s seasons.
3. Explain the cause of lunar and solar eclipses.
4. Understand and explain the occurrence of the different phases of the
moon.

Materials
• Earth model (from exercise 2)

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 EaSc001: Earth Science

Procedure

1. Illustrate and label the positions of the earth, sun, and moon during a
lunar and solar eclipse.
2. Trace the different phases of the moon and its location against the
sun and the earth.
3. Draw the Big Dipper and label its major stars. Using the map of the big
dipper, illustrate how will you locate the constellation Ursa Major,
Pinwheel galaxy and the Whirlpool galaxy. Also, show a direction on
how to find the North Star and the giant Red Star Arcturus?
4. List down the different zodiacal constellations and give a brief
description of each.

References

1. https://www.instructorweb.com/lesson/stars.asp#LESSON_PRINTABLES
2. http://www.dustbunny.com/afk/constellations/bigdipper/
3. https://www.google.com/search?q=zodiacal+constellations&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-
8&client=firefox bab&gferd=cr&dcr=0&ei=8TDcWZOgDKiM8Qfk6KXwCQ

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Vision: A globally competitive university for science, technology, and environmental conservation.
Mission: Development of a highly competitive human resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge TP-IMD-04
V0 07-15-2020
and innovative technologies for sustainable communities and environment.
No.
 Earth Science 001
Laboratory Exercise No. 8

The Earth, Moon and Stars

Name and Signature:_______________________ Date Conducted:_________

Lab Instructor/Lecturer: _____________________ Date Submitted: _________
Laboratory Schedule: _______________________ Rating: ________________

DATA SHEET

1. Positions of the earth, sun and moon during:

a. Solar Eclipse

b. Lunar Eclipse

2. Different phases of the moon and its location against the sun and the
earth

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Mission: Development of a highly competitive human resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge TP-IMD-04
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and innovative technologies for sustainable communities and environment.
No.
 EaSc001: Earth Science

3. Big Dipper and its Major Stars

4. Zodiacal Constellations

Month Zodiac Sign Description

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

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Vision: A globally competitive university for science, technology, and environmental conservation.
Mission: Development of a highly competitive human resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge TP-IMD-04
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and innovative technologies for sustainable communities and environment.
No.
 5. Describe your zodiac sign and comment whether it reflects your
personality or not?

Guide Questions:

1. Explain the occurrence of lunar and solar eclipse.

2. What is the relevance of knowing the difference phases of the moon?

3. Discuss the significance of knowing some of the constellations.

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Vision: A globally competitive university for science, technology, and environmental conservation.
Mission: Development of a highly competitive human resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge TP-IMD-04
V0 07-15-2020
and innovative technologies for sustainable communities and environment.
No.