Daytime Moon Investigation

Greetings, aspiring Astronomer! Today, you're embarking on a solar-lit lunar adventure! You're on a quest to demystify the daytime moon. Equip yourself with binoculars,  and if you need assistance, enlist an observation partner and embark on this daytime luna adventure together!

What You'll Need:

  • Curiosity and Imagination
  • Moon-Viewing Journal and pencil
  • Braille slate and stylus 
  • (Tactile) drawing paper
  • Favorite drawing tools
  • Tactile markers
  • Internet access for research 
  • Screen reader (if available)
  • Optional: family member or friend to assist
  • ​Optional: Binoculars 
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​Here are some internet sites to get you started.

Instructions:

Step 1. Learn About The Daytime Moon:
Prepare for your solar-lit lunar adventure! Take a virtual trip online to research the daytime moon's appearance. Discover its current phase to ensure a successful lunar sighting! Use a screen reader if necessary.


Step 2. Preparing for Daytime Moon Observations:
Now that you've completed your research, prepare for your luna adventure!
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  1. Check the Weather:  Make sure the weather suits your moon observation adventure. Clear skies are perfect!
  2. Select Viewing Location:  Find a comfortable outdoor or indoor spot with a clear sky view to observe the daytime moon.
  3. Activate Your Senses: Engage your senses–touch, smell, hearing, and seeing. Each sensation reveals something new, helping you to connect with the daytime moon in a new way.
  4. Observation Log: In your Moon Watcher's Journal or braille slate, note the date, time, temperature, location, and moon phase.
  5. Binoculars (Optional): If you have binoculars, grab them! They'll enhance your view of the daytime moon.
  6. Gather Your Tools: Collect your Moon-Viewing Journal or (tactile) drawing paper, and choose your favorite drawing tools.
  7. Exploration Partner: Invite your observation partner to join your adventure and describe the celestial show if needed. 


Step 3. Daytime Moon Exploration:
Now that you've completed your research, there are some cool things to watch out for in the moon's appearance during the day! 

For example:
  • Position in the Sky: Find the moon in the daytime sky. Where is it located? Is it directly overhead, closer to the horizon, or somewhere between? Look around and describe its surroundings. Is it framed by trees, buildings, or something else? How does the moon fit into the landscape of the daytime world?
  • Moon's Daytime Journey: Track the daytime moon's journey across the sky. Does it move like the sun, changing its position as the day progresses? Does it follow a specific path?
  • Colors and Hues: What color is the daytime moon? Is it a silver or white tone against the blue sky, or does it display a different color? If so, what are the conditions contributing to this unique coloration?
  • Feelings and Impressions: How does it make you feel when you look at the moon during the day? Do you feel excited, calm, curious, or something entirely different? Does it inspire your creative mind?

Jot down what you learn in your Moon Watchers Journal or braille slate.

If you have low or no vision, participate in a collaborative investigation with your observation partner. Alternatively, visualize the daytime moon and the surrounding environment using your available senses.


Step 5. Get Arty:
You've completed your investigations and made exciting discoveries and interesting observations. Now, it's time to activate your imagination and get arty! 
  •  Grab your Moon Watcher's Journal or (tactile) drawing paper and favorite art supplies.
  • Draw, paint, or craft your interpretation of the daytime moon and its surroundings. Let your imagination soar as you bring the daytime moon to life. Use colors, textures, and shapes to express your connection with your celestial neighbor. Let your creativity shine!
  • If you have low or no vision, let what you've learned about the daytime moon through sensory observation and online exploration fuel your imagination. Incorporate these observations into your artwork. Alternatively, embark on a collaborative art project with your observation partner for a shared creative experience.


Step 6. Collaborative Discoveries: 
  • If you collaborated with an observation partner, share and discuss your sketches or tactile drawings. Talk about the discoveries, observations, and findings you have each made. Add this information and any sensory observations you made throughout the exploration to your Moon Watcher's Journal or braille slate.
  • You now have an excellent resource that enables you to revisit the details of your observations and findings whenever needed.


Step 7. Questions:​
Write the answers to the following questions in your Moon Watcher's Journal or braille slate.
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  1. What interested you the most when watching the daytime moon?
  2. How was observing the moon during the day different from watching it at night in terms of how it looked and what was around it?
  3. What did you learn about the moon's position and movement during the day? How does this information help you understand how the stars work?
  4. Did your senses—touch, hearing, or smell—help you understand the daytime moon? If so, how?
  5. If you collaborated with a partner, what aspects of the daytime moon did you discuss, and how did those discussions influence your collaborative artwork?


Step 8. Share Your Discoveries:
Have fun showing off your fantastic daytime moon-viewing artwork to your friends, family, and others important to you! Your unique perspective and insights can serve as a source of inspiration.


Conclusion:
Remember, no matter your ability, the mysteries of the daytime Moon are always there, ready to be explored. Each unique perspective adds to the magic of our cosmic adventures. Keep observing, discovering, and reaching for the stars. The cosmos holds a ton of unanswered questions for curious minds like yours. Until your next adventure, have fun exploring, and keep gazing skyward!

Image credit: Photograph by  Joanna Redesiuk