20070302

Astronomy current events question: no west coast U.S. lunar eclipse

Astronomy 10L, Spring Semester 2007
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Students are assigned to read online articles on current astronomy events (skytonight.com, from Sky & Telescope magazine), and take a short current events quiz during the first 10 minutes of lab. (This motivates students to show up promptly to lab, as the time cut-off for the quiz is strictly enforced!)

[0.2 points.] On March 3, 2007 there will be a lunar eclipse for observers in Europe, and observers on the east coast of North America. Why will observers on the west coast of North America not be able to see this happening? Circle your answer below.
(A) Observers on the west coast of North America are in the northern hemisphere.
(B) There will not be enough horizon illusion.
(C) The lunar eclipse will end before the Moon rises.
(D) The Moon will be too dark.
(E) The Moon will be too far away.

Correct answer: (C).

Student responses
Section 4137
(A) : 3 students
(B) : 3 students
(C) : 17 students
(D) : 1 student
(E) : 1 student

Section 4138
(A) : 2 students
(B) : 1 students
(C) : 15 students
(D) : 3 students
(E) : 1 student

Section 4139
(A) : 0 students
(B) : 2 students
(C) : 16 students
(D) : 1 student
(E) : 0 students

However, the August 28, 2007 lunar eclipse will be visible for nearly its entire duration for observers on the west coast of North America. Students (here at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, CA) will be looking forward to that event...hopefully.

No comments: