Why are different phases of the Moon observable from Earth?
A) The motion of the Moon in its orbit around Earth causes observers to see different amounts of Earth's shadow falling on the Moon.
B) The motion of the Moon in its orbit around Earth causes observers to see different amounts of the sunlit side of the Moon.
C) The distance of the Moon from Earth changes because of the elliptical orbit of the Moon, causing the sunlit side of the Moon to move relative to Earth.
D) The rotation of the Moon around its own axis causes observers to see different amounts of the sunlit side of the Moon.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The phases of the Moon are caused by the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, which change as the Moon orbits Earth. This results in different portions of the Moon's sunlit side being visible from Earth.

Why Are Different Phases of the Moon Observable from Earth