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Because as it moves round the Earth, and the Earth moves round the Sun, the way it is positioned in the shadow of the sun changes how it looked. So if the moon was on one side of the Earth, and the sun was on the other, the sun would block out the moons light with its shadow.
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JordanThe changing shape of the moon, known as the lunar phases, is caused by its position relative to the earth and the sun. As the moon orbits the earth, the angle between the sun, earth, and moon changes, causing different portions of the moon to be illuminated. This changing illumination results in the different phases of the moon that we observe from earth.
The moon does not change shape as it orbits Earth. The reason it looks as if it is is because of the light reaching the moon in reference to its position to the sun. The position of the moon around the Earth at different times of the year only allows for light to illuminate certain areas of the moon at certain times, giving it its visible "shape".
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Does t moon really change its shape?
No, the moon does not change its shape. The moon's phases are caused by the angle at which we see the illuminated portion of the moon from Earth as it orbits around our planet.
What causes the moon Moon to seem to change shape?
The changing shape of the Moon, known as its phases, is caused by the relative positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun. As the Moon orbits Earth, the amount of sunlight hitting its surface that is visible to us changes, creating the different phases such as the full moon, new moon, and crescent moon.
How does the moon look from day to day?
The moon appears to change shape due to its position relative to the Earth and the Sun. This change in appearance, known as the moon's phases, occurs because we see different portions of its illuminated surface as it orbits Earth. The cycle of moon's phases repeat approximately every 29.5 days.
Does the absolute positions of the moon and earth and sun change as the moon orbits the earth?
yes
What causes the moon to change it's shape?
The changing shape of the moon, known as its phases, is caused by its position relative to the Earth and the Sun. As the moon orbits the Earth, the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface that we can see changes. This creates the different phases of the moon, such as full moon, new moon, waxing crescent, and waning gibbous.
