Proof that the moon is closer to Earth than the sun

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on methods to demonstrate to a child that the moon is closer to Earth than the sun. Participants suggest using visual aids such as diagrams, animations, and real-life observations of solar and lunar eclipses. They emphasize the importance of hands-on demonstrations, like using a tennis ball and flashlight to illustrate the phases of the moon and the geometry of the sun-moon-earth relationship. Additionally, references to Aristarchus' calculations provide a historical context for understanding celestial distances.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic geometry, specifically right triangles
  • Familiarity with lunar and solar eclipses
  • Knowledge of the phases of the moon
  • Ability to use simple tools for demonstration, such as a flashlight and a ball
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of lunar and solar eclipses
  • Learn about Aristarchus of Samos and his contributions to astronomy
  • Explore hands-on astronomy experiments for children
  • Investigate the lunar laser ranging experiment as evidence of moon landings
USEFUL FOR

Parents, educators, and anyone interested in teaching children about astronomy and the scientific method through engaging, hands-on activities.

  • #31
Monsterboy said:
No , because you can actually take her to Fresno, if needed you can take her to any other place in the world if you can afford it.
There are too many places on Earth to visit all of them. And booking a flight every time a question about a town comes up... even if you can afford it it does not sound practical. Sometimes it is more reasonable to trust evidence collected from others.
 
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  • #32
mfb said:
There are too many places on Earth to visit all of them. And booking a flight every time a question about a town comes up... even if you can afford it it does not sound practical. Sometimes it is more reasonable to trust evidence collected from others.
Yes , I just thought that telling a 9 year old that the fact that some people landed on the moon and some spacecraft s were sent to study the sun is the proof to show that moon is closer to the Earth than the sun, is not the most appropriate way to "prove " it, because she will have to blindly trust the "evidence" she may not understand yet and will lead to questions which will require you to prove that the moon landings did happen in the first place ,which will just complicate and prolong the proof for the original question. In #21 Shyan explained it well.
 
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  • #33
Monsterboy said:
Yes , I just thought that telling a 9 year old that the fact that some people landed on the moon and some spacecraft s were sent to study the sun is the proof to show that moon is closer to the Earth than the sun, is not the most appropriate way to "prove " it, because she will have to blindly trust the "evidence" she may not understand yet and will lead to questions which will require you to prove that the moon landings did happen in the first place ,which will just complicate and prolong the proof for the original question. In #21 Shyan explained it well.

She'll also ask why you've never visited the quiche restaurant down the street, but ate at the barbecue place across town, instead.

And, unless you're a family that actually travels the world, what's the difference between Atlantis and Paris?

I think the demo with the light and phases is something a kid would understand. Watching a solar eclipse would also be great because... well, because solar eclipses are cool! Even partial eclipses.

But, oh, why didn't she ask this question in 2004 or 2012 when you could have shown her the transit of Venus? That was so cool on so many levels - such as how humans finally figured out how far the Earth was from the Sun.
 
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  • #34
Showing the phases of the moon with a tennis ball and flashlight should make things clear about how the moon goes through its phases, and why it does so. Visibly showing that it HAS to go between the Earth and the Sun at some point.
 

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