Which of the following best describes why we see the moon a different phases
The moon appears to go through different phases as seen from Earth primarily due to its orbit around the Earth and the position of the Earth and Sun in relation to the moon.
The different phases of the moon are primarily caused by the varying positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. As the Moon orbits around the Earth, different portions of its surface are illuminated by the Sun, creating the different phases that we observe.
Here is a step-by-step explanation of why we see the moon in different phases:
1. The Sun is the primary source of light in our solar system. It emits light in all directions.
2. The Moon orbits around the Earth, completing one revolution every 27.3 days.
3. As the Moon orbits the Earth, it also revolves around its own axis. However, the time it takes for one complete revolution (rotation) is the same as the time it takes to complete one orbit around the Earth. As a result, we always see the same side of the Moon from Earth.
4. The different phases of the Moon occur because of the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
5. When the Moon is located between the Earth and the Sun, the side of the Moon facing away from the Earth is fully illuminated by the Sun, and we see this as a New Moon. However, we cannot see the New Moon because it is located in the same direction as the Sun in the sky.
6. As the Moon continues its orbit, it moves into a position where we can see a small portion of the side that is illuminated by the Sun. This is called a Waxing Crescent phase.
7. The amount of illuminated area that we see gradually increases, moving through phases such as First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, and finally reaching a Full Moon. During a Full Moon, the entire side of the Moon facing the Earth is fully illuminated.
8. After the Full Moon phase, the Moon starts to move away from the Earth and continues its orbit. The illuminated area gradually decreases, going through phases such as Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, Waning Crescent, and finally returning to a New Moon.
9. This cycle repeats approximately every 29.5 days, known as a lunar month.
In summary, the various phases of the Moon are a result of the combined orbital motion of the Earth and Moon, as well as the relative positions of these celestial objects with respect to the Sun.
The reason we see different phases of the Moon is because of its position relative to the Sun and Earth. The Moon does not emit light of its own, but rather reflects the sunlight that hits its surface. As the Moon orbits around the Earth, different portions of its illuminated side are visible to us on Earth, resulting in the various phases we observe.
To understand this concept further, visualize the following scenario:
1. New Moon: During a new moon, the Moon is located between the Sun and the Earth. The side of the Moon that is illuminated by the Sun is facing away from us, making it appear invisible or very faint.
2. Waxing Crescent: About a day or two after the new moon, a sliver of the Moon's illuminated side becomes visible from Earth. This phase is called the waxing crescent, and it appears as a thin crescent shape in the sky.
3. First Quarter: As the Moon continues its orbit, more of its illuminated side becomes visible. When half of the Moon appears to be illuminated, it is known as the first quarter phase. This phase is often referred to as a half-moon.
4. Waxing Gibbous: Following the first quarter phase, the Moon continues to wax, meaning that more of its illuminated side is becoming visible. At this stage, the Moon appears larger and more than half illuminated, forming a shape called the waxing gibbous.
5. Full Moon: When the Moon reaches the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, we observe a full moon. This is when the entire illuminated side of the Moon is visible to us and appears as a complete circle in the sky.
6. Waning Gibbous: After the full moon, the Moon starts to wane, meaning that less of its illuminated side is visible. The waning gibbous phase occurs when more than half of the Moon's illuminated side is still visible, but it is gradually decreasing.
7. Third Quarter: As the Moon continues its orbit, less and less of its illuminated side becomes visible. When half of the Moon appears to be illuminated again, but on the opposite side from the first quarter phase, it is referred to as the third quarter or a half-moon again.
8. Waning Crescent: In the final stages of the lunar cycle, only a small sliver of the Moon's illuminated side is visible before it reaches the new moon phase again. This thin crescent is known as the waning crescent.
Therefore, the different phases of the Moon are a result of the changing positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun, which cause varying amounts of sunlight to reach different parts of the Moon as viewed from our perspective on Earth.