The Moon appears to change shape throughout the month because of its phases, which are caused by its position relative to the Earth and the Sun. As the Moon orbits the Earth, different portions of its surface are lit by sunlight, creating phases such as the new moon, crescent, quarter, gibbous, and full moon. When we see a full moon, the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, allowing the entire face to be illuminated. During a new moon, the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, so the side facing us is in shadow.
These phases repeat in a cycle that lasts about 29.5 days, known as a lunar month. While the Moon itself doesn’t actually change shape, our perspective from Earth makes it appear so. Cultures around the world have used the Moon’s phases to track time, create calendars, and plan agricultural activities. The ever-changing appearance of the Moon not only influences human traditions but also inspires art, poetry, and wonder across generations. Shutdown123