Question

Explain the cause for different phases of the Moon.

Answer 1

• The Moon's phases depend only on its position relative to Earth and the Sun.
• The Sun lights up different sides of the Moon as it orbits around the Earth during the lunar phase.
• From the new Moon day to the full moon day, the lighted portion of the Moon becomes more visible. This is called waxing.
• From the full Moon day to the new moon day, there is a decrease in the visibility of the lighted area of the Moon from the Earth. This is called waning.
• The whole cycle (from new Moon to new Moon) takes about $29.5$ days.