Phases of the Moon

Lunar motions
Earth-Moon
The difference of two days between the synodic and sidereal cycles is due to the Earth-Moon system also moving in an orbit around the Sun
Moon’s period of rotation about its axis and its revolution around Earth are the same, 27 1/3 days
Causes the same lunar hemisphere to always face Earth

Phases of the Moon
When viewed from above the North Pole, the Moon orbits Earth in a counterclockwise (eastward) direction
The relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon constantly change
Lunar phases are a consequence of the motion of the Moon and the sunlight that is reflected from its surface