Why do the moon and planets shine?

Answer 1

Mars is called "the red planet" because of its high iron content. It may appear blue if visible in the night sky because of our atmosphere filtering out some wavelengths of the sun's light (which reflects off of Mars's surface, and into your eyes).

Answer 2

the most basic answer is they shine because of the reflected sunlight. I am sure you have noticed the phases of the moon. as the moon orbits the earth, it is illuminated by the sun. when the moon is full it is receiving full sunlight, when it is a new moon it is between the earth and sun. Not all planets shine the same. Mercury for instance, is typically only a black dot that crosses the sun. Venus has phases like the moon...so it is not always as bright night to night. Jupiter, depending on its distance from Earth, also varies in its brightness.

Answer 3

The moon shines because it reflects sunlight off its surface. Planets shine because they reflect the light of the sun, just like the moon, but they are not as bright as stars since they do not produce their own light.

Answer 4

Like all planets, Mars does not emit light, but simple reflects light from the sun.

Answer 5

The same reason as why the moon shines during the night.

The sun shines on it, the light get reflected and we can see the reflection.

Answer 6

Like all planets, Mars does not emit light, but simple reflects light from the sun.

Answer 7

The same reason the moon shines. The light from the sun reflects off the surface.

Answer 8

They reflect light from the Sun.