Why does the moon appear to change shape?

Question

Why does the moon appear to change shape?

Question #59183. Asked by EdnaMode.
Last updated Jun 22 2021.

Related Trivia Topics: Sci / Tech

_princess_007
Answer has 27 votes

Currently Best Answer

_princess_007
18 year member
100 replies

Answer has 27 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

The Moon orbits around the Earth every 29 ½ Earth days. At all times, half of the Moon is lit by the Sun. The other half of the Moon facing away from the Sun is in darkness. As the Moon orbits around the Earth we can see more and more of its lit side. This process slowly changes. These changes are called the phases of the Moon.

http://www.space.com/6650-moon-phases-work.html

Response last updated by CmdrK on Jun 22 2021.
Nov 17 2006, 4:07 AM

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Answer 1

The moon appears to change shape when it enters a new phase. The phases change every 29.5 days, and there are eight phases the moon enters into during a cycle. The phases relate directly to where the moon is located as it revolves around the earth.

Answer 2

Arpeggionist
Answer has 13 votes

Arpeggionist
20 year member
2173 replies

Answer has 13 votes.

More accurately, the moon reflects back the sun's light, and so its shape changes along with its position relative to the sun and the Earth.

Sep 05 2005, 12:12 AM

Answer 3

---grouch---
Answer has 9 votes

---grouch---

Answer has 9 votes.

Either point of the horizon, moonrise or moonset, creates greater distortion as compared to directly overhead because the reflected light is scattered through a greater distance in the atmosphere.

Sep 05 2005, 12:07 PM

Why does the moon appear to change shape?

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