KIDS EDUCATION EXPLAINER — THE MOON

WHY DOES THE MOON CHANGE SHAPE?

PHASE 1 OF 4

NEW MOON

The sun lights the side facing away from us. From Earth, the moon looks switched off.

PHASE 2 OF 4

CRESCENT

A few days later a sliver of the lit side peeks into view — a smile in the sky.

PHASE 3 OF 4

HALF MOON

One week in, we see exactly half of the lit side. Half a pizza, perfectly straight edge.

PHASE 4 OF 4

FULL MOON

Two weeks in, the whole lit side faces us. Then the show runs backwards and repeats.

THE MOON NEVER CHANGES — ONLY OUR VIEW OF IT DOES.

SIMPLIFIED FOR KIDS — THE REAL CYCLE TAKES ABOUT A MONTH