answersLogoWhite

0

A lunar month (a full period of lunar phases) is close to 29.53 days. 360/29.53 = 12.19° per day. This is the synodic period of revolution of the moon; the revolution as observed from earth, and has to do with the moon's position relative to the sun. So this revolution is what most people will observe most readily, and will intuitively understand to be the moon's revolution. The 360° referred to here are related to the moon's synodic journey across the sky and the degrees are a little larger than the absolute degrees of motion relative to the fixed stars. (The moon in fact revolves MORE than an absolute 360° for each lunar cycle of phases.)

A sidereal revolution (absolute revolution of 360° relative to the fixed stars) is close to 27.32 days. 360/27.32 = 13.18° per day.

A closed fist held at arm's length subtends roughly 10° of sky.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?