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The apparent motion of the Moon

We investigate the motion of the Moon in its orbit around the Earth and how it sets when we locate our reference system on earth, the apparent motion of the Moon. The orbit of the Moon around the Earth is also a problem more complex than it is generally assumed, so that its motion as seen from the Earth also becomes complex. We determine an equation that describes the point of closest approach of the Moon at the zenith, as a function of time and latitude of the place. This equation takes into account the rotation of the Moon around the Earth and the variation of the inclination axis of its orbit with respect to the plane of terrestrial orbit. We compare the results with the data extracted from the software Stellarium. Finally, we estimate the current tilt of the axis of the orbit of the Moon relative to the plane of the Earth.

Moon; orbit


Sociedade Brasileira de Física Caixa Postal 66328, 05389-970 São Paulo SP - Brazil - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: marcio@sbfisica.org.br