Question

Does the moon actually change shape as it revolves/rotates around the Earth? Explain your answer

Answer 1

Answer:

The moon doesn’t change shape on its own.

Explanation:

Shapes of moon that we observe is based on the different perspectives of view from the earth and position of moon with respect to the sun. The changes arise due to the rotation of earth on its own axis as well as the revolution of moon on its orbit. The moon doesn’t have any light of its own.

It just reflects off the light from the sun. Due to tidal locking phenomenon one face of the moon permanently faces the sun. Because of the changes in position of moon with respect to the sun the moon is lighted up variably giving rise to various phases like new moon, full moon, crescent etc.