Question

Explain why the moon goes through phases.

Answer 1

The moon goes through phases because since the Moon orbits Earth, whatever position the moon is, the Sun lights up different parts of the moon causing the moon to look different every phase. The moon reflects sunlight rather than producing any of its own lighting. The changing phases are brought about by differences in the angle at which the sun's rays hit and effect the moon's surface as it revolves around the Earth.

Answer 2

As the moon circles around Earth, the phases vary, and various parts of the moon's illuminated surface are visible from Earth. As a result, the moon's appearance changes from night to night from Earth's perspective.