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superweirdo
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Ok this is really funny. This is a really simple question and I used to know it but the more complicated things I learn, the more doubt I have on my foundation. So what is it that causes moon to change its shape?
arildno said:As the moon goes around the earth, the EARTH blocks some of the sun's rays, so that these do not hit the moon. Hence, the set of reflected rays from the moon that enables us to see the moon changes, depending on where in its orbit around the Earth the moon is.
superweirdo said:Ok this is really funny. This is a really simple question and I used to know it but the more complicated things I learn, the more doubt I have on my foundation. So what is it that causes moon to change its shape?
That's all that's happening. The moon, like the earth, is always half-lit by the Sun. Depending upon the moon's position in its orbit, it may look completely lit (when it is nearly opposite the Sun) or completely dark (when it is rougly between the Earth and Sun), or any phase in between. No shadows are involved.
superweirdo said:Wait a sec., if I am at midnight, how is the sun's rays even getting to the full moon, isn't it blocked by earth?(follow th e picture) Which means, no moon! Does that ever happen?
Ok, wait a sec., I think I got it, when that happens, it is callled total penumbral eclipse where there is no moon, is that right?
The changing shape of the Moon, known as the phases of the Moon, is primarily caused by the relative positions of the Moon, Earth, and the Sun in their orbits. These positions create varying amounts of the Moon's illuminated half that we see from Earth.
The Moon goes through several phases, including:
The New Moon occurs when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, with its dark side facing Earth. The side of the Moon illuminated by the Sun is not visible from Earth, creating the appearance of a dark circle in the sky.
The Full Moon occurs when the Moon is positioned on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, with its fully illuminated side facing Earth. This results in the entire illuminated half of the Moon being visible from Earth, creating a complete circle in the sky.
Waxing phases (Crescent to Gibbous) occur as the Moon moves from the New Moon to the Full Moon. During this period, more of the illuminated half becomes visible each night. Waning phases (Gibbous to Crescent) occur as the Moon moves from the Full Moon back to the New Moon, with the illuminated portion gradually decreasing.
The Moon appears to change its position in the sky because it orbits around the Earth. As it moves along its orbit, the relative positions of the Moon, Earth, and the Sun change, leading to different amounts of the illuminated half being visible from Earth. This creates the various phases.
The primary factor affecting Moon phases is the relative positions of the Moon, Earth, and the Sun. However, factors such as atmospheric conditions, pollution, and the presence of celestial bodies (e.g., stars and planets) in the night sky can affect the visibility and appearance of the Moon during its phases.
You can learn more about Moon phases and astronomy through astronomy books, online resources, planetariums, and astronomy clubs and organizations. These sources provide detailed information, diagrams, and tools for observing celestial events like Moon phases.