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Checking the actual lateness of the 'lazy' moon

4/24/2017

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It is often said that the moon rises, on average, about 50 minutes later each day.

Let’s examine all moon rising times shown in the 2017 table for San Diego created with data from the Astronomical Applications Department of the U.S. Naval Observatory.  

On average during the year, each rising time is 24 hours and 50 minutes greater than the previous one.

In non-leap year 2017, there are 365 * 24 = 8,760 hours. Dividing that result by the average time between moon risings (24 + 50/60 hours) gives an expected total of 353 moon risings in a year which is what one finds on the year 2017 table.

Looking at the 352 actual time differences between the successive moon risings, one finds the shortest time of lateness is 34 minutes and the longest is 66 minutes.   That is a much wider range of lateness minutes than I had expected. 

Below is a graph of the lateness minutes of moon risings in year 2017.  The maximum of 66 minutes is circled in red where it occurs on 3 dates. The minimum of 34 minutes is circled in green. The average of 50 is shown with a gold line. 
Knowing range allows for a fuller understanding than does average alone.
Picture
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    From the admiral's chair

    John Berol is the husband of Captain Diane. He commissioned Celtic Song in 2005, has sailed extensively and maintains an active interest in both the boat and her captain. He believes the more you know, the better you will sail. The term “Admiral’s Chair” is a family joke. For just as every writer needs an editor, so every captain needs an admiral.

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  • Home
  • The Program
    • About
    • FAQs
    • Our Captain
    • Our Boat
  • Requirements
    • Expectations
    • Application
    • ASA 101 Practice Test
    • CA Boater Card
  • For Crew
    • Schedule
    • Be Prepared
    • Lesson Materials
    • Skills Tracker
    • SOPs
    • Safety Questions
    • Sailing Resume Template
    • Roster
  • BLOGS
    • Captain's Log
    • Admiral's Chair
  • SVCS Resources
    • Systems Aboard SVCS
    • Maintenance Log
    • Marine Services