Wo ist Apollo 11? Wie man mit Funkechos die Mondentfernung bestimmt

TL;DR

This educational activity enables students to determine the Earth-Moon distance by analyzing radio signal echoes from Apollo 11's moon landing communication, illustrating physical principles through space travel context.

Contribution

It introduces a hands-on method for students to measure space distances using real historical radio transmission data and echo analysis, linking physics with space exploration.

Findings

Students successfully determine the Earth-Moon distance from radio echoes.

The activity demonstrates physical principles of signal propagation and time measurement.

Engages students with authentic space mission data and concepts.

Abstract

This activity was created within the framework of the "Space for Education" project, which ams at experiencing physical principles on the basis of topics related to space travel. The students analyze audio files of the radio contact between the NASA ground station in Houston, Texas and the crew of Apollo 11 during the moon landing in 1969. Through echoes in the radio transmission they determine the signal propagation time and thus the distance between earth and moon. Additional materials at: https://www.haus-der-astronomie.de/raum-fuer-bildung ----- Diese Aktivit\"at wurde im Rahmen des Projekts "Raum f\"ur Bildung" erstellt, welches physikalische Prinzipien anhand der Raumfahrt erlebbar macht. Die Sch\"ulerinnen und Sch\"uler analysieren Audiodateien des Funkkontakts zwischen der NASA- Bodenstation in Houston, Texas und der Crew von Apollo 11 wahrend der Mondlandung im Jahr 1969. Durch Echos in der Funk\"ubertragung ermitteln sie die Signallaufzeit und somit die Entfernung zwischen Erde und Mond. Weitere Materialien unter: https://www.haus-der-astronomie.de/raum-fuer-bildung