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What causes the different phases of the Moon (e.g., full moon, crescent moon)?

5 views 2 helpful Updated Jun 30, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • AThe Moon changing its size.
  • BThe Earth's shadow falling on the Moon.
  • CThe changing amount of the Moon's illuminated surface visible from Earth.
  • DThe Moon moving closer to and further from the Earth.
Explanation

The phases of the Moon are caused by the changing angles at which we view the Moon's illuminated surface as it orbits the Earth. The Sun always lights up half of the Moon.

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