Question

what causes the different moon phases?

Explanation:

The different moon phases are caused by the changing positions of the Moon relative to the Earth and the Sun. As the Moon orbits the Earth, the portion of its sunlit surface that is visible from Earth shifts, creating the distinct phases (new, crescent, quarter, gibbous, full) shown.

Answer:

Moon phases are caused by the Moon's orbital position relative to Earth and the Sun, which changes the amount of the Moon's sunlit surface visible from Earth.