Lunar Phases Explained: How the Moon’s Appearance Changes #3239394 (License: Personal Use)

This educational diagram depicts the Moon’s 29.5-day synodic cycle, with the central Earth-Moon system surrounded by eight labeled lunar phases arranged radially. Yellow arrows indicate sunlight coming from the right, illuminating the Moon’s near side progressively as it orbits counterclockwise. Each phase-from new moon (fully dark) to full moon (fully lit)-is clearly illustrated with accurate terminator lines and shading.

Used on astronomy education websites, science curricula, and planetarium resources to teach lunar cycles; matches user intent for understanding moon phases, eclipses, or calendar systems like lunar months.