Question

How does the moon's orbit around Earth cause a pattern of moon phases?

Answer 1

Answer:

The Moon doesn't make its own light, it just reflects the Sun's light as all the planets do. We see the Moon go through a changing cycle of phases each month due to its orbital motion around Earth and the changing geometry with which we view it.

Answer 2

Answer:

Explanation:

The moon orbits around the Earth in an elliptical path. As it moves along its orbit, it reflects light from sun back to Earth. Sometime the Earth's position in orbit blocks some of the sun light to the moon, its reflection will show Earth's shadow. The different size and position of Earth's shadow account for the moon's phases: no shadow at full moon and half shadow at crescent moon.