Question

1. astronomers made two observations of the moon that were several days apart. their observations are shown in the diagram above. the light part of the moon appeared to get larger over time. why did this happen?first observationsecond observationa. between the first observation and the second observation, the moon rotated so that more of the light-colored rock on the moons surface faced earth.b. between the first observation and the second observation, the moon moved so that the astronomers were able to see more of the half that faces the sun.c. between the first observation and the second observation, the moon moved closer to the sun so more sunlight reached the moons surfaced. between the first observation and the second observation, earths shadow moved and was blocking less of the moon so the astronomers were able to see more of it.

Explanation:

The increasing visible light part of the Moon (waxing phase) occurs as the Moon orbits Earth, allowing us to see more of the hemisphere illuminated by the Sun. Option A is incorrect because the Moon's synchronous rotation means the same face always faces Earth. Option C is wrong because the Moon's distance from the Sun does not change enough to cause this apparent size of the lit portion. Option D describes a lunar eclipse scenario, which is not the case here, as lunar eclipses involve Earth's shadow covering the Moon, not the gradual brightening of the Moon's surface.

Answer:

B. Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon moved so that the astronomers were able to see more of the half that faces the sun.