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Astronomy/Moon view in daylight

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Expert: Steven LJ Russo - 4/29/2004


Question
Why do we see only part of the sphere of the moon when it is visible during the day. I guess I am asking what causes the "phases" of the moon.
Thanks,
Art

Answer
Art:

As the Moon travels around the Earth, we see different parts of it lit up.  When you see it during the day, like late today, the Moon is 1/4 around it's orbit, therefore you see 1/4 of the Moon lit up; although it looks like 1/2 here fffrom the Earth.

Steve

Astronomy

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Steven LJ Russo

Expertise

As a space science educator in a planetarium, my work centers around teaching people about the night sky and the solar system. I have a strong background in those areas, plus the history of NASA and spaceflight, and meteorology.

Experience

Experience in the area. I have been an amateur astronomer for 47 years, and have been teachng space science in planetariums for 34 years. For 15 years I was a radio and television meteorologist, and for the past 20 years I have been a space science writer for two newspapers in New York State. I am a member of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society and the International Planetarium Society. I have had a number of articles published in several astronomy journals, including "The Constellation" and the "Planetarian". Education/Credentials. I hold a B. S. from Wagner College and an M. S. from State University of New York at Oswego. Awards and Honors. I have been awarded the "Fellows" award from the International Planetarium Society for more than 20 years of continuous service in the planetarium field.

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