The phases of the Moon are caused by its orbit around Earth and the way sunlight illuminates its surface. As the Moon orbits, varying portions of its illuminated side are visible from Earth, resulting in phases like the full moon and new moon. This cycle takes about 29.5 days, with the full moon occurring when Earth is between the Moon and the Sun, and the new moon happening when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun [2][3][4][6].

What causes the moon phases?

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What Causes Phases of the Moon?

The Sun and the Earth-Moon System | Earth Science

Understanding the phases of the Moon | Astronomy.com

Moon Phases - NASA Science

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What causes the moon phases?

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