Question

how do changes in the earth - sun - moon system cause the different phases of the moon? record your data.

Explanation:

The moon's phases are caused by the relative positions of the Earth, sun, and moon. As the moon orbits the Earth, the portion of the moon that is illuminated by the sun changes from our perspective on Earth. When the moon is between the Earth and the sun, we see the new - moon phase (the side of the moon facing us is not illuminated). As the moon moves in its orbit, more of the illuminated side becomes visible, leading to the waxing crescent, first - quarter, waxing gibbous, and full - moon phases. After the full moon, the visible illuminated portion decreases, resulting in the waning gibbous, last - quarter, and waning crescent phases.

Answer:

The relative positions of the Earth, sun, and moon as the moon orbits the Earth cause the different phases of the moon. The illuminated portion of the moon visible from Earth changes based on these positions, leading to the cycle of new - moon, waxing crescent, first - quarter, waxing gibbous, full - moon, waning gibbous, last - quarter, and waning crescent phases.