Re: Just to be sure: Planet with multiple moons

On May 11, 12:34=A0pm, thro...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 (Wayne Throop) wrote:
> :: If a planet has multiple moons, all large enough to be visible, as
> :: discs, from the surface (through the atmosphere), i.e. =A0unlike the
> :: moons of Mars, will they all be in the same phase at the same time,
> :: i.e. =A0full, waning, new, waxing?
>
> : Raghar <Ragha...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> : Yes.
>
> "Can they *ever* be in the same phase at the same time", yes.
> "Are they necessarily *always* in the same phase at the same time", no.
>
> : they'd be in the same phase once per period of the faster moon

(cut)

  That would be once per SYNODIC period of the two moons.
This talk about moon orbits reminds me of a trivia puzzle I read years
ago.
    On average, which of the other planets is closest to Neptune?

- A. McIntire