Why Shape of Moon Changes?

The phase of the moon depends on its position relative to the sun and Earth. The phases change as the moon revolves around Earth, different portions of the moon's sunlit surface are visible from Earth. Thus, from the perspective of Earth, the appearance of the moon changes from night to night.

Why does the Moon changes its shape?

As the Moon orbits our planet, its varying position means that the Sun lights up different regions, creating the illusion that the Moon is changing shape over time. ... This is because it rotates once on its axis in exactly the same time it takes to orbit Earth – 27 days and seven hours.

Does the shape of the Moon actually change?

Although the Moon appears to change during the lunar month, it is always the same shape. What does change is how much of the Moon we see from Earth, due to light and shadow.