Why does the Moon show phases in the course of a month?
A) clouds get in the way of the Moon's light and cover up parts of it
B) the Earth's shadow falls on the Moon to different degrees as the Moon goes around
C) the angle the Moon makes with the Sun changes and we see differing amounts of reflected sunlight
D) more or less light from the Earth is reflected as the Moon turns around it
E) the Moon glows from the inside, and its various continents glow different amounts

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The phases of the Moon are caused by the changing angle of the Moon with respect to the Sun as the Moon orbits the Earth. This causes us to see differing amounts of the Moon's illuminated surface as it turns towards or away from the Sun.

Why Does the Moon Show Phases in the Course of a Month