Question

what causes the phases of the moon

Answer 1

The different phases of the Moon are caused by its revolutions around the earth. When the moon passes in front of the sun (from the earth's perspective), it appears dark. This is the new moon. When the sun is behind the earth, illuminating the moon, the moon is full. hope that helped

Answer 2

The lunar phases are produced as a result of the change of the relative positions of the Earth, the Moon and the Sun.

The part of the lunar surface illuminated by the Sun that we can see from the Earth, is changing throughout a cycle that is repeated periodically every 29 days, 12 hours, 43 minutes and 12 seconds.

The answer is: Earth revolving around the sun and the sun's light being reflected off the moon.