In 3-5 sentences, explain what some limitations of using this model to explain the phases of the moon would be. Consider factors like size and distance between objects in your response.

Answer 1

One limitation of using a simplified model to explain the phases of the moon is that it may not accurately represent the vast distances between the Earth, moon, and sun, which can lead to misunderstandings about the scale and perspective involved. Additionally, the model might not account for the moon's elliptical orbit and axial tilt, which influence the appearance of lunar phases. Furthermore, a static model could also overlook the impact of atmospheric conditions and light refraction, which can alter how we perceive these phases from Earth. Such simplifications can lead to misconceptions about the nature of celestial mechanics and the true dynamics at play.