Vera, a 6-year-old with an inquisitive mind, recently asked a question that intrigued many: why can the Moon be seen during the day, even though it is typically associated with the night sky. Jasmine and Chrissy from NIU STEAM were featured on WNIJ’s The Sound of Science to answer this question.
Chrissy began by explaining that while most pictures show the Moon at night, there are times when it is visible during the day. She and Jasmine discussed how the Earth’s rotation on its axis causes day and night, and how the Moon’s orbit around the Earth affects its visibility.
Jasmine then elaborated on how the Moon acts as a natural satellite that reflects the Sun’s light. As it revolves around the Earth, different phases are visible due to the Earth’s shadow. The Moon’s position relative to the Earth’s rotation causes it to rise and set like the Sun, contributing to its visibility during daytime hours.
Chrissy further explained that the Moon’s proximity to Earth compared to other objects in the night sky allows it to be seen during the day. When it is full and perfectly aligned with