What causes the phases of the Moon?

Learn about the fascinating phenomenon of the phases of the Moon and discover the scientific explanation for what causes them to change. Explore the relationship between the positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, and how they result in the different lunar phases we observe.

What causes the phases of the Moon?
Claudia Oct-27-2024 02:30:06
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What causes the phases of the Moon?

The phases of the Moon are a fascinating phenomenon that occurs due to the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in space. As the Moon orbits around the Earth, different portions of its surface are illuminated by the Sun, creating the various lunar phases we observe from Earth.

Science behind moon phases

During a new moon, the side of the Moon facing Earth is not illuminated by the Sun, making it appear invisible. As the Moon moves in its orbit, we see a waxing crescent phase where a small portion of the Moon is visible. This progresses to a first quarter moon where half of the Moon is illuminated, leading up to a full moon where the entire face of the Moon is illuminated. The process then reverses with a waning gibbous phase, followed by a third quarter moon, and finally back to a new moon.

Sun-Earth-Moon relationship

These phases are a result of the changing angles between the Sun, Earth, and Moon, causing different amounts of the illuminated side of the Moon to be visible from Earth. This celestial dance is a beautiful example of the intricate workings of our solar system.

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Gabriel 1987416626
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answered 27 Oct 2024

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