Observing natural satellites
In this activity, students observe how the Moon appears to move across the sky each hour, as well as over several days. They discuss how both the rotation of the Earth as well as the satellite motion of the Moon cause this apparent motion.
Jupiter’s largest moons
Galileo discovered Jupiter’s largest moons in 1610. Another astronomer of the time, Simon Marius, named them Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto after the lovers of Zeus, the ancient Greek mythological King of the Gods and Men. Currently Jupiter has 53 named moons and another 26 awaiting official names. Combined, scientists now think Jupiter has 79 moons.
Image courtesy of NASA.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
point out the path that the Moon appears to travel across the sky each day or night and how far the Moon appears to move each hour
describe how this apparent motion is caused by the spinning of the Earth on its axis
record the change in position of the Moon in the sky at the same time each evening or early morning
describe how this apparent change in position is caused by the Moon orbiting the Earth
observe Jupiter’s four largest natural satellites and measure how long it takes each to orbit Jupiter.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
student handouts
discussion questions
extension ideas.
Related content
This article examines how the Moon has been the subject of myths, alternative conceptions and conspiracies for decades, look at some of the most popular alternative conceptions and why we've yet to colonise the Moon.
Useful link
Visit the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium website for resources and activities regarding the Moon – why we can see it during the day and lunar eclipses.
