How does the moon take shape? (so why does the moon look different at different times?) Ruby from Brighton

10/6/2014

Answered by Ivan Teage, Astrophysics Expert

We can only see the moon when it is lit up by the sun. The moon travels round the Earth slowly in about 28 days and as it goes round different parts of the moon are lit up so we can see them. The moon turns as it goes round and so we always see the same side of the moon. Only 27 astronauts have ever seen the other side of the moon!

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