202103 Astronomy Merit Badge Weekend

This was suppose to be an astronomy fishing merit badge weekend. It turned out to be a weekend to get increased confidence in staying dry in my Eureka Copper Canyon 4 Person Tent. The heavy rain came and inside the tent and occupant stayed dried all weekend. Unfortunately I see this tent is no longer being sold. Anyway we had a great weekend even with the severe thunderstorms we had. We did have some great views of the Waxing Gibbous Moon Friday Night. I really enjoyed the views the blue filter gave us. The details the terminator were fantastic. I had intended to get pictures on Saturday night but thunderstorms moved in. Maybe next time.

I will be using the Astronomy Merit Badge worksheet. Scouts should try to complete everything they can before we meet in person but especially the following:

Determine what time the moon will be visible at your location. I use Timeanddate.com

As you can see the moon may be visible early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

6. Do the following:

1. Sketch the face of the moon and indicate at least five seas and five craters. Label these landmarks.
2. Sketch the phase and the daily position of the Moon at the same hour and place, for four nights within a one week period. Include landmarks on the horizon such as hills, trees, and buildings. Explain the changes you observe.
3. List the factors that keep the Moon in orbit around Earth.
4. With the aid of diagrams, explain the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and the Moon at the times of lunar and solar eclipses, and at the times of new, first-quarter, full, and last-quarter phases of the Moon.