Todays lesson plan

1. Shape of the Earth

2. Motions of the Earth
3. Inclination of Earths axis

Spherical shape of the

Earth
Proofs
1. By watching lunar eclipses, Earth
threw circular shadow on the Moon
2. By noticing curvature while
watching horizon as it slowly
revealed the shape of islands
3. By recording the differences of
distribution of the stars in the night
sky

Shape of the Earth

ELLIPSOID instead of a true sphere

The equatorial bulge at Earth's equator is caused

by the planet's rotation and the centrifugal force.

Real shape of the Earth

GEOID

Motions of the Earth

1. ROTATION
Spinning around axis from west to east
-. Sidereal day = 23h 56m 4s
-. Solar day = 24h
-. Angular velocity (360 24h) = 15
per hour
Consequence of rotation:
alternation of day and night

Time zones
Angular velocity a basis for establishing
24 time zones (each zones spans 15 of
longitude)
The Prime Meridian (0 longitude) base
position for establishing GMT (Greenwich
Mean Time)
Zone of GMT 7,5 east and 7,5 west from
Prime Meridian
Other time zones: +1h,+2h etc if its east
- 1h, -2h etc if its
west

Motions of the Earth

2. REVOLUTION
Starting position vernal equinox
(Mar.21)
- Tropical (Solar) year uses Sun as
the referent point 365.2425 days
(356d 5h 48m 46s)
- Sidereal year uses celestial sphere
as a reference point 365.2465

Aphelion and Perihelion

Inclination of Earths Axis

The axis of the Earth is not
perpendicular to the plane of ecliptic
but its under the angle of 6630
Consequences of axis inclination
alternation of seasons

Tilt of Earths Axis

Revision
1. Shape of the Earth
2. Motions of the Earth and their
consequences.
3. Inclination of Earths axis and its
consequence.