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If you plot the observed position of Mars night after night, you'll see that Mars appears to move backward occasionally—drawing loops and curves against the background stars over time. This "apparent retrograde motion" happens because the Earth-based observer is also in motion, orbiting the Sun almost twice as fast as Mars. Every time Earth passes Mars, mars appears to move backward in a loop or s-shaped curve. The shape of Mars' retrograde curve is caused by differences in the orientation of the orbits of Earth and Mars.

In the video, we draw a line from Earth through mars, and to the background stars, plotting the apparent position of Mars against the background stars over time.

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Physics Foundry’s first independent production is now available! Stream it online or order an install license at physicsfoundry.com!

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Using Blender to simulate the pinhole camera effect in the shadow of a tree during a solar eclipse. Light passing through tiny gaps between the leaves is focused on the ground. Most days this results in boring old circles, but it gets more interesting during an eclipse.

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Using a camera obscura to observe a partial solar eclipse.

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Testing the camera obscura, eclipse glasses, and welding goggles models.

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We made a cardboard box. We’ll use this to model a solar eclipse projection box for Eclipses and Phases of the Moon.

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Look at this guy, staring at a partial solar eclipse like a chump. He’s messing up his retina. He should use a safer solar observing technique, like the pinhole and card technique.

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This one is for one of our favorite lunar eclipse myths: In Benin and Togo, tradition holds that the Sun and Moon are fighting during the eclipse. The people encourage the Sun and Moon to resolve their differences by setting the example with people in their own lives.

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A little something for Eclipses and Phases of the Moon: An Inca lunar eclipse tradition says that a jaguar attacks the Moon. I believe it because cats are always murdering everything all the time.

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We are happy cartoon people.

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Rebrand, go!

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Cigar Box Guitar #5. Made for a friend.

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Cigar Box Guitar #4. On the hook.

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Cigar Box Guitar #3. Big, loud, and full of growl.

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Cigar Box Guitar #2. I gave this one to my Brother and his Partner.

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Cigar Box Guitar #1. I learned a lot putting this together.