Observing the Sun and the Moon

• Background
• More ideas
• More advanced projects
• Read: astronomy
• Cosmologist

Here are some questions you might explore, or you may have your own questions about the sun or the moon which you would like to investigate:

• the time when the sun sets or rises
• the place on the horizon where you last or first see it
• the time when the moon sets or rises
• the place on the horizon where you last or first see it 
• the phases of the moon
• the number of sunspots on the sun and how they move (more information) - but it is very important that you do NOT look directly at the sun.  The easiest, safe way to observe the sun is to use a pinhole camera.

A paper plate is a good way to show where there are tall trees or buildings on the horizon which you can use for a marker, and where the sun or moon rises or sets.  It's also a good way to show sunspots.

Further activities on sunrise and sunset.