how does the moon changeshape during the course of the month?

Answer 1

The shape of the moon does not actually change, but it is the shadow of the earth that gives the illusion. The moon revolves around the earth due to which we have full moon, no moon and half moon periods as it travels betweeen the shadow of the earth. During the period from no moon to full moon, the earth is in between the moon and the sun due to which the earth's shadow falls directly on the moon and thus we cannot see the illuminated part of the moon.As the earth graduallly moves away from the position, we can see the illuminated part of the moon which appears in the shape of a crest. Also due to the non existence of atmosphere on the moon, there is distinct difference in the illuminated and the dark part of the moon. During the period from full moon to no moon, it again moves from the shadow of the earth and thus at one point is completely overshadowed by the earth and doing the disappearing act.

Answer 2

Starting with the full moon - A day or two before the "full moon" you will see the
moon rise just before sunset. At full moon it will rise as the sun sets, and of course
after the sun sets as the time goes on. Each night after, notice how the light on the
moon shrinks from full to last quarter and then to nothing (a 2 week time period).
Also during this time you will notice the moon "traveling" closer to the sun.
Two weeks from full moon (day may vary) look for the sliver of the moon just before sunset.
As the moon moves into NEW moon and you cannot see at all, watch for it to become noticable
as a sliver in the other direction as the sun sets. Follow the light on the moon as
it expands to first quarter and then to full. So you can actually see the moon and the sun
at the same time virtually most of the month.

Since the rotation period of the moon equals its monthly journey, we only see one side of it. And we only see that when it is lit up by the sun. At eh First and Last Quarter moon phases, we only see "one half" of a full moon. The same whole face is facing us, but only half is facing the sun. So we see a lit up quarter part of the moon. The earths shadow falling on the moon onlyoccurs at a full moon and that is called an eclipse. And that doesnt happen all the time.

Answer 3

The moon does not change it's shape during the course of a month, rather it shows different sides of it's face. As the moon rotates around the earth and the suns rays shine outward, the suns rays highlights the certain features on the face of the moon. Since the rotational speed of the moon and the earth are about the same speed, the moon tends to show only one side of itself. That's why there's a "dark side" of the moon, because we never get to see it. Go here for more information and also there's a little java applet that shows you how the moon revolves around the earth and the way we see it.

http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/java/MoonPhase.html

Hope this helped.

Answer 4

Actually, the moon is not changing, only it's appearance. As the moon orbits the earth, the shadow cast upon the moon changes as the earth and moon pass around the sun. You could simulate this with say a basket ball and a baseball by holding them near a light bulb and making the baseball pass behind the basketball, allowing more or less of the lite from the bulb fall upon it.

Answer 5

The moon itself does not change shape. The shadow of the earth cast upon the moon causes it to appear different shapes, showing us only certain parts of the moon per month. I suggest doing a search for lunar calendars if you are interested in knowing what shape the moon will appear as at any particular time.

Answer 6

From full to new and back again, sheesh!!

Actually it is the earth's shadow on the moon that causes the "shape" to change. The moon is illuminated by the sun reflecting on the moon and when the earth is partially blocking the sun, it casts a shadow on the moon's surface.

Answer 7

it doesnt really change shape, it is earths shadow (i think) that reflects off on the moon (i think).....i havent done astronamy in a really long time

Answer 8

the moon does not change shape!

Answer 9

it does not change, the different reflections you see is the sun being partially blocked one way or another by the earth.

Answer 10

it doesnt change shape. the sun reflects differently on it. to give it a diff "shape"