<ul><li>The changing moon phases we see in the sky are a result of the moon's position with respect to the sun as it orbits Earth.</li><li>Understanding moon phases involves considering the sun's illumination of the moon and its location in space.</li><li>The moon's position in its orbit affects the phases we observe, from new moon to full moon and back.</li><li>The moon rises in the east and sets in the west every day, following Earth's rotation beneath the sky.</li><li>The moon's orbital motion around Earth takes about a month, contributing to its changing position in the sky.</li><li>The moon's eastward orbital motion causes it to move about 12 to 13 degrees each day on the sky's dome.</li><li>Due to Earth's rotation, the moon rises about 50 minutes later each day, leading to varying nightly appearances.</li><li>Different moon phases like new moon, waxing crescent, full moon, and waning crescent offer unique viewing experiences.</li><li>Observing the moon's changing phases helps us appreciate its celestial beauty and understand its orbital dynamics.</li><li>Moon phases provide insights into the interactions between the sun, Earth, and the moon in our cosmic neighborhood.</li></ul>

4 keys to understanding moon phases

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