Lunar Phases Simulator

The "Lunar Phase Simulator" is exactly what its name implies.  It is a tool for demonstrating the origin of the phases of the Moon and for learning the names and positions of the eight major lunar phases.  The Moon's position is displayed using the normalized phase index (0-1), the phase angle in degrees, and the days since New Moon.  Also displayed is the angle from the Sun relative to where we would see the Sun and Moon in our sky.  This is a specific measure used in the Lunar Phases Lab Exercise for Astronomy (ASTR122) at JCCC.  

Two views of the moon are given by the simulator: a top-down view showing the Moon in its orbit around the Earth, and a view of the Moon as seen from Earth.  The main top-down view can have it's zoom level and orientation modified by using the mouse

The speed of the simulation can be controlled using a slider at the top of the screen, or one may click on the buttons on the left to place the Moon in the position for the phase selected.  When any of these phase buttons are pressed, the Simulation is paused allowing time for discussion and observation.  Click on the "Resume" button to start the simulation moving again.

I will be crafting some learning activities to accompany this simulation soon.  When I do, I will include them here as downloadable PDFs.