Synodic versus Sidereal Periods

1. Explain, in your own words, the difference between synodic and sidereal periods.

Venus cycles through a complete set of phases every .

2. Draw the complete set of phases.
3. What is the synodic period of Venus? Its sidereal period?

Mars cycles through a complete set of phases every .

4. Draw the complete set of phases.
5. What is the synodic period of Mars? Its sidereal period?

Now imagine you are observing the Earth from Mars, instead of the other way around.

6. What would be the synodic period of the Earth? Its sidereal period?