8A20.50 - Moon and Earth to Scale


Equipment required for set up.
Equipment required for set up.



Code: 8A20.50


Demo Title: Moon and Earth to Scale


Subject: Earth - Moon Mechanics


Description:
Attach a string to a globe and a model moon to show the distance between Earth and the moon.


Procedure:

  • Show students Globe, explaining the circumference and scale.
  • Show the moon and compare size/scale to globe.
  • On the screen overhead, the earth's and moon's actual diameter and circumference are present.
  • The distance between the earth and moon is also on the slide which is important to explain to the audience for the demonstration.
  • You direct the audience's attention to these.
  • Move to the second table set up to the side of the main table. Using the second illuminated moon model and the globe (on string) perform the following. Taking the string attached to the globe begin walking across the room (globe is mounted to table and will rotate as the string unravels). While moving further and further from the earth you are explaining the distance of the string and how it represents distance between earth and moon. The string stretches across the room. When no more string is available the scaled model is in place with the moon at the end of the string. You now can explain the massive size of the sun by explaining if we were to add a sun to the same scaled model it would fill the room, etc.


    Video URL:


    Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with Rutgers University and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist. Rutgers University is not responsible for any demonstrations performed by those using their own or others equipment, or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose. The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources. Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here, entails inherent risks. These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition, and property loss or damage. Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.


    Social Media


    FB f Logo blue 29

    Contact Us


    firstlight2 footer Physics & Astronomy
    Rutgers, The State University
       of New Jersey
    136 Frelinghuysen Road
    Piscataway, NJ 08854-8019
    (848) 445-8781
    npamula@physics.rutgers.edu


    Copyright 2024, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. All rights reserved.
    Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers web sites to: accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier or Provide Feedback Form .