Changing shape of the moon, also called phases of the moon
is caused by changes in the part of the moon illuminated by the sun facing the
moon.
We see moon because of the sunlight reflected by
towards the earth. At any time the sun is able to illuminate only half part of the moon.
The other half of the moon does not receive any sunlight because of its spherical shape.
Depending on the relative positions of sun, moon, and the earth, different proportions
of the semi-sphere-shaped illuminated half of the moon faces the earth, causing the
shape of the moon visible from the earth to change.
On a
full moon day, when the moon appears as a complete circle, the earth is positioned
directly between the moon and the sun. Because of this the illuminated surface of the
moon fully faces the earth, making the moon appear round. At other the earth is
positioned away from the direct connecting sun and moon. Further the earth from this
line, smaller is the illuminated part of the moon directed towards, and visible from
earth. On a new moon day the earth is positioned farthest from this line joining sun and
moon. AS a result the moon is seen as a thin crescent only.
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