Document Type
Report
Abstract
Many diagrams of the motion of the Earth-Moon-Sun system show the moon revolving about the center of Earth. Often, overly simplified new-moon-to-full-moon cycle diagrams are used to explain the changing lunar phases. In fact though, Earth and its moon revolve about a common center of mass known as the barycenter (Gr. “heavy” center). The documents here represent the author’s explanation and illustration of the barycenter concept, so often inadequately represented in the educational literature.
Publication Date
10-30-2015
Recommended Citation
Maul, George A., "Motion of the Earth-Moon System about their Barycenter: Planetary Free Spheres Motion" (2015). Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Faculty Publications. 5.
https://repository.fit.edu/oems_faculty/5
Comments
Detailed explanation and illustration of the concept of "barycenter," with a focus on the Earth-Moon-Sun system. Special thanks to the graphic illustrator, Robbert Gribbroek of Florida Institute of Technology.
Copyright 2015 by Geoge Maul of Florida Institute of Technology. Licensed as Creative Commons with attribution