Why does moon change shape

Golly, complicated! Well, some pictures really help to understand this. Can you picture where the Sun must be? Yes — off to the right or east! That left-hand side of the Moon is fully lit up, but you can only see half of it as the right-hand side is in shadow. Make sense? This changing shape of the Moon is tough to visualise, so why not try a little experiment? Ideally, sit in a darkened room with the ball held above your head. Ask your adult helper to shine the beam of light from the torch on to the ball.

Now you've done that, does the moon seemingly changing shape make more sense now? Looking for more about why the Moon changes shape? Of course! So, why not check out these EdPlace worksheets to find out more about the phases of the Moon:. Year 5 - The Phases of the Moon. Year 5 - The Earth the Sun and the Moon 1 2 3. Year 5 - Sun and Moon. This video uses physical models — a light and a white ball, and it uses animated models to help us visualise the orbits of the Earth and the Moon.

At half-way around the orbit, we can see the entire half of the Moon. This is the full moon. We get another crescent moon — a waning crescent moon because it's getting smaller. And then back to another new moon. And the cycle starts again. Appears in. The Moon and its misconceptions A significant part of our nightscape, the Moon has been the subject of myths, alternative conceptions and conspiracies for decades. Add to favourites. Go to full glossary Add 0 items to collection.

Download 0 items. Twitter Pinterest Facebook Instagram. Imagine you're planning a trip to the Moon! What will you take with you? What will you do there? Write a story about an adventure you could have on your trip. Did you get it? Test your knowledge. What are you wondering?

Wonder Words reflects phase position lunar depends rotates fascinated revolution enchanting Take the Wonder Word Challenge. Join the Discussion. Mar 11, Mar 10, Jessica Jan 8, Jan 8, Oct 15, Brisyn haley Sep 30, Wow thank you for these facts ive never knew these things about it This is really interesting Thank you so much Sep 30, You're welcome, Wonder Friend.

What was the coolest new fact you learned? Brisyn Haley Oct 1, Oct 3, Neptune Sep 30, Man i love my friend the Moon I learned alot more about her Sep 30, In particular, what it does to the ocean? Pancakes Mar 28, The moon rotates the earth and light hits the moon as it spins. Mar 28, London Mar 25, Hola amigo mi London de soy england mi amor tu el sitio web. Mar 26, Apr 4, We're glad, jack jack! We love our Wonder Friends, too! Mair Mar 22, Milky Mar 22, I love it because i can use it in school for my work.

Hannah Mar 22, I like it a lot because i can use it for school. Mar 22, Dianna Jan 21, Mar 25, Elisa Mar 22, It's pretty relaxing, isn't it? DarkStar Mar 21, Wonder Friend Mar 21, Mar 21, We're glad. What was the coolest thing you learned? Beth Mar 21, That's right, Beth!