Astronomy and Astrophysics

Question: What do you think causes the phases of the moon?
spoiler below

Many people think that the phases of the moon are caused by the Earth's shadow on the Moon, but we will see that this is not the case.

Activity: Using the LunaSee applet, determine the relative position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun when the moon appears at full, half, and new phases.

You are then given 8 pictures of different phases of the moon, as well as pictures of the Earth and the Sun. Place them geometrically so as to show the correct position between the Earth, Moon, and Sun at each phase of the moon. Label each as new, full, quarter, three-quarter, or half, and as waxing or waning as appropriate.

Use the LunaSee applet to place the relative position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun at a lunar and a solar eclipse.

Conclusion: Describe how the cause of the phases of the moon is different from the cause of an eclipse. What phase is the moon in during a solar eclipse? A lunar eclipse?