QuestionMay 1, 2025

Why does the Moon look different every night?

Why does the Moon look different every night?
Why does the Moon look different every night?

Solution
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Answer

The Moon looks different every night because its phases change as it orbits Earth, altering the visible illuminated portion. Explanation 1. Understand the Moon's phases The Moon appears different due to its phases, caused by the changing positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. The illuminated portion visible from Earth changes. 2. Explain the cycle The Moon's phases follow a predictable cycle: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent. This cycle repeats approximately every 29.5 days. 3. Relate visibility to sunlight The part of the Moon we see is lit by sunlight. As the Moon orbits Earth, the angle between the Sun, Moon, and Earth changes, altering how much of the lit side is visible.

Explanation

1. Understand the Moon's phases<br /> The Moon appears different due to its phases, caused by the changing positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. The illuminated portion visible from Earth changes.<br /><br />2. Explain the cycle<br /> The Moon's phases follow a predictable cycle: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent. This cycle repeats approximately every 29.5 days.<br /><br />3. Relate visibility to sunlight<br /> The part of the Moon we see is lit by sunlight. As the Moon orbits Earth, the angle between the Sun, Moon, and Earth changes, altering how much of the lit side is visible.
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