Moon phase theory

Moon phase theory explains how the visible shape of the Moon changes as it orbits Earth, caused by varying angles of sunlight illuminating the Moon’s surface. These changes create the lunar phases: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent. The phases follow a predictable cycle approximately every 29.5 days. Understanding this cycle helps us recognize the Moon’s appearance at different times, its influence on tides, and its cultural significance, based on the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.