Page 55 - Grade 5 Illustrated Science Dictionary
P. 55
PHASES OF THE MOON
In our entire solar system, the only object that shines with
its own light is the Sun. That light always beams onto
Earth and Moon from the direction of the Sun, illuminating
half of our planet in its orbit and reflecting off the surface
of the Moon to create moonlight.
Every month Earth's moon goes through its phases,
waning and waxing in its constant transformation from
new moon to full moon and back again.
This lunar cycle happens in part because the moon does
not produce its own light; the silvery glow we see comes
from sunlight reflecting off the moon's monochrome
surface.
