Determining the best date for the invasion By now you are an expert on the timing of both lunar phases and tides. You are ready to advise
General Eisenhower of the best night to launch the aerial attack that will precede the landings at
dawn on the beaches. General Eisenhower has advised you that the soonest date of complete
readiness of the invasion force is Sunday, August 1.* You know that on that night, there will be
a waxing half moon, with sunrise at about 0700 (7:00am). The time of sunrise will not change
significantly during the span of time under consideration. Carefully consult your data tables and
diagram, and determine what advice you will give to the general.
* You probably know that the D-Day invasion was actually on June 6, 1944, not in August.
Your advice to the general:
The aerial attack should be at midnight, on
followed by
(date)
beach landings at dawn at
(time)
Your reasons for giving the general this advice are as follows: