Why Does Moonrise Time Change Each Day?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does moonrise time change each day?

The Big Idea

Moonrise gets later each day because the Moon orbits Earth, sliding eastward among the stars! That extra travel means it rises about 30 to 60 minutes later each day. The Moon is the late-to-the-party guest!

The Moon Orbits

Step one: the Moon orbits Earth. The Moon takes about a month to go all the way around Earth. Each day, it moves about 13 degrees to the east among the stars, a little more than the width of your fist held at arm's length.

Earth Must Catch Up

Step two: Earth has to catch up. In one day, Earth turns once, but the Moon has moved on. So Earth must turn a bit more to bring the Moon back above the horizon.

About 50 Minutes

Step three: moonrise gets later. That extra turning takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and about 50 minutes on average. So moonrise slips later each day.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The Moon slides east in its orbit. Earth has to turn a bit more to catch up. That adds extra time each day. So the Moon rises later and later.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The Moon rises about 50 minutes later each day, on average. A thin crescent rises soon after the Sun. A full Moon rises around sunset. Moon watch with a grown-up, and never look at the Sun.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Track moonrise for three evenings in a row. Write down each time. Then subtract to find how much later it gets each day. Is it always the same? Share what you discover with a grown-up.

Outro

The Moon is late to the party every day. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!