🔍 Key Concepts

• Lunar motion relative to the stars and the Sun (how many degrees the Moon moves eastward each day) • Relationship between 24 hours of time and 360° of celestial longitude • How a change in the Moon’s position shows up as a difference in meridian passage time or angle the next day

💭 Think About

• First, recall approximately how many degrees the Moon moves eastward against the background stars in one day; think of the Moon’s orbital period around Earth (~27–29 days). • Translate that daily motion in degrees into how far the Moon will have shifted relative to the Sun’s position the next time the Sun is on your meridian. • Decide: if the Moon has moved EAST relative to the Sun, will it appear east or west of your meridian when the Sun is again on your meridian?

✅ Before You Answer

• Estimate the Moon’s average daily motion: 360° divided by the length of the lunar month (in days). • Convert that daily motion into degrees to compare with the options (about 11–13°). • Check the direction carefully: if the Moon moves eastward along the ecliptic, does that make it appear east or west of the meridian when the Sun returns to the meridian 24 hours later?