What Causes The Different Phases Of The Moon?
My young niece just asked me what causes the different phases of the moon and I told her that I think that it’s caused by the earth’s shadow.
If I’m not right then please tell me the correct reason and I will tell her that I erred.
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Well it’s not the earth’s shadow that causes the various phases of the moon, but the shadow of the moon itself.
The idea might seem strange at first, but once you understand that at any given time, that half of the moon is facing the sun, and looks bright, and the other half is facing away, and looks dark, then the concept should become easier.
The different phases (shapes) of the moon are caused by its position in relation to the sun and Earth.
As the moon makes its way around the Earth, we see the bright parts of the moon’s surface at different angles.
The moon shines because it reflects light from the sun, therefore the part of the moon facing the sun is lit up and the part facing away from the sun is in darkness.
Hopefully you now understand what causes the different moon phases well enough to explain them to your niece.
This image, “phases of the moon” might also help you and others to better understand what happens.
a beautiful reply.
I told my sons that it’s the face is bright and used and orange while walking round a candle in the room.
I like the fact we only ever see one face of the moon