Introduction: Moons of the Solar System

Good afternoon! It is getting close to sunset in our planetarium, but before it gets dark, let’s find both the Sun and Moon in the sky right now. It is a common misconception that the Sun and Moon are never up at the same time, but in fact, they often are.

Can you see the Sun and Moon? 

[Let students use the light pointer to point them out.]

Please take careful note of where the Moon and Sun are located while I switch on our planetarium “time machine” to accelerate the sunset.

[Turn on music. Slowly turn down cove lights.]

DIGITAL EFFECT: Go to Night
Start diurnal motion on slow for a leisurely sunset. Go to approximately 90 minutes past sunset. This parameter may need to be adjusted for your particular theater’s location.