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Good question, its to do with the difference between the sidereal rotational period and the synodic rotational period. Relative to the background stars, the moon takes 27 days 7 hours and 43 minutes to orbit the earth - the sidereal orbit. Ignoring the sun and just looking at the earth from above the north pole, with the moon in orbit around it, this is the time for the moon to circle once around the earth.

During this time though, the earth has progressed around the sun somewhat, on its orbit around the sun. For the moon to get back to exactly the right phase, it takes a little longer, 29 days, 12 hours and 44 minutes in total from full moon to the next full moon. This is known as the synodic period.

This is due to the portion of the orbit, the curve that the earth has progressed it that time. The phase of the moon maybe the same again after this synodic period, but the moon will have made just over one orbit relative to the background stars, and will have moved round slightly to be in front of some different stars to those at the previous full moon.

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During the period that the moons phase are changing from new to full the moon is?

you should Google it and look it up on wiki answers PEN!S


What are the superstitious beliefs related to the different phases of the moon?

Superstitious beliefs related to the different phases of the moon include the idea that full moons can cause increased instances of strange behavior or bad luck, while new moons are often associated with new beginnings or fresh starts. Some believe that the waxing moon phase is a time for growth and development, while the waning moon phase is a period to release negative energy or habits. Overall, these beliefs vary widely across cultures and personal beliefs.


Synodic period of the moon?

The synodic period of the Moon is about 29.5 days, representing the time it takes to go through a complete cycle of phases as observed from Earth. This period defines the time between successive occurrences of the same phase, such as from full moon to full moon. The slightly longer synodic period compared to the Moon's orbital period is due to Earth's motion around the Sun.


Is phase of the moon different at different places on earth?

No. The phase is the phase, no matter your gaze.No, but it will appear to be oriented a different way depending on your location.


Which word describes a change in the moons appearance?

The word you are looking for is "phase," which describes the different shapes the Moon appears to take when observed from Earth. These phases are a result of how sunlight is reflecting off the Moon's surface as it orbits Earth.

Related Questions

Can you give a sentence that has the word phase as in the moons phase?

The moons phase tonight is full


What is meant by the moons phase?

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During the period that the moons phase are changing from new to full the moon is?

you should Google it and look it up on wiki answers PEN!S


Which two phase are gibbous moons?

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What does la phase mean?

La Phase means the phase. Phase in sinusoidal functions or in waves has two different.


What does the color or shading of a lobe in an orbital drawing represent?

The color or shading of a lobe in an orbital drawing represents the phase or sign of the wave function for that specific part of the orbital.


What are the superstitious beliefs related to the different phases of the moon?

Superstitious beliefs related to the different phases of the moon include the idea that full moons can cause increased instances of strange behavior or bad luck, while new moons are often associated with new beginnings or fresh starts. Some believe that the waxing moon phase is a time for growth and development, while the waning moon phase is a period to release negative energy or habits. Overall, these beliefs vary widely across cultures and personal beliefs.


How long is the synodic period of the moon?

The synodic period of the moon, which is the time it takes for the moon to return to the same phase as seen from Earth, is about 29.53 days. This is the time between two identical phases of the moon, such as two full moons or two new moons.


If a planet had 2 moons would someone on the planet see both moons showing the same phase at the same time?

Most likely not. Chances are that the two moons have different periods of revolution around the planet. So as the days went by, you would see the faster one overtake and pass the slower one. They would show the same phase when they were close together in the sky, but their phases ... and their rising and setting times ... would become more different as they became further separated in the sky.


How often does a moon phase happen?

Every day. full moons are on fridays i think


Synodic period of the moon?

The synodic period of the Moon is about 29.5 days, representing the time it takes to go through a complete cycle of phases as observed from Earth. This period defines the time between successive occurrences of the same phase, such as from full moon to full moon. The slightly longer synodic period compared to the Moon's orbital period is due to Earth's motion around the Sun.


Does the moons orbit around the earth affect the moon phase?

Yes, the moon's orbit around Earth affects the moon phase. As the moon orbits Earth, the angle between the sun, moon, and Earth change, causing different portions of the moon to be illuminated by sunlight, resulting in the different moon phases we observe.