Observing & Predicting Sky Patterns

SUNSHADOW OBSERVATORY · SKYLING

Observing & Predicting Sky Patterns

Midnight Vault

Learn with Skyling, then use your clues in the adventure. Pause whenever you need time to read or think.

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Skyling — Observing & Predicting Sky Patterns Midnight Vault

Hi!

I'm Skyling.

Welcome to Midnight Vault!

Will you help me investigate observing & predicting sky patterns?

The Grumblies have mixed up our clues.

Let's check the evidence!

Sky observations show patterns on different timescales: daily changes from rotation,

a roughly monthly Moon-phase cycle, and yearly seasonal changes.

Which pattern repeats roughly monthly?

  • A. Day and night
  • B. Moon phases
  • C. One complete seasonal year

The answer is B: Moon phases

Sky observations show patterns on different timescales: daily changes from rotation,

a roughly monthly Moon-phase cycle, and yearly seasonal changes.

That clue helps us make sense of this place.

Repeated logs support predictions.

A model helps explain a pattern

but cannot replace every observation or predict local cloud cover

from Moon phase alone.

Which comes next in the supplied sequence?

  • A. New Moon
  • B. First quarter immediately after last quarter
  • C. Full Moon immediately again

The answer is A: New Moon

Our log records first-quarter Moon, then full Moon, then last quarter.

Using the repeating sequence predicts new Moon next in this simplified set.

Another month's observations can check it.

Hmm...

how does that connect to our first clue?

Our log records first-quarter Moon, then full Moon, then last quarter.

Using the repeating sequence predicts new Moon next in this simplified set.

Another month's observations can check it.

What can check the prediction?

  • A. Ignoring future records
  • B. Repainting the old log
  • C. More observations through another cycle

The answer is C: More observations through another cycle

Our log records first-quarter Moon, then full Moon, then last quarter.

Using the repeating sequence predicts new Moon next in this simplified set.

Another month's observations can check it.

Nice investigating!

You've been following the evidence.

Let's bring our clues together before the adventure.

Sky observations show patterns on different timescales: daily changes from rotation,

a roughly monthly Moon-phase cycle, and yearly seasonal changes.

Repeated logs support predictions.

Our log records first-quarter Moon, then full Moon, then last quarter.

You're ready to explore Midnight Vault with me!

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Choose START ADVENTURE when you're ready.

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