Do the shuttle and iss astronauts see the moon as we do on the earth?

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SUMMARY

Astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS) do not see the moon as always full from orbit. During a new moon, the moon is not visible to them, confirming that its phases are consistent regardless of the observer's location in space. The clarity of the moon's appearance from orbit is enhanced due to the absence of atmospheric interference, providing a clearer view compared to observations from Earth.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of lunar phases and their visibility from different locations.
  • Basic knowledge of orbital mechanics and altitude parameters.
  • Familiarity with the effects of atmospheric interference on celestial observations.
  • Awareness of the operational details of the Space Shuttle and ISS missions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the lunar phases and their visibility from various altitudes.
  • Explore the effects of atmospheric conditions on astronomical observations.
  • Learn about the orbital mechanics of the ISS and its altitude parameters.
  • Investigate the differences in celestial observations from Earth versus space.
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, educators, students studying space science, and anyone interested in the visibility of celestial bodies from different vantage points in space.

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My son asked me if the moon is always full as seen from orbit. I think it is apreciably the same. E.g at new moon, the astronauts wouldn't see the moon. Is that true?
 
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cslewis2011 said:
My son asked me if the moon is always full as seen from orbit. I think it is apreciably the same. E.g at new moon, the astronauts wouldn't see the moon. Is that true?

You are correct. As long as the orbit remains within certain altitude parameters the perspectives are as usual except much clearer because of no atmospheric interference..
 
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