Question

Why is only part of the Moon illuminated as it orbits around earth, and what causes the phases we see? Explain in 3 simple sentences

Answer 1

The Moon is only partially illuminated because it does not produce its own light; instead, it reflects sunlight. As the Moon orbits the Earth, the angle between the Earth, Moon, and Sun changes, causing different portions of the Moon to be illuminated. This variation in illumination from our perspective on Earth creates the different phases of the Moon, such as new moon, crescent, half, and full moon.