* The Sun is the source of light: The sun emits its own light and heat.
* The Moon reflects sunlight: The moon itself doesn't produce light. Instead, its surface is covered in a dusty, rocky material that reflects sunlight.
* Angle of reflection: The amount of sunlight reflected back to Earth depends on the angle at which the sun hits the moon. During a full moon, the sun is shining directly on the moon's face, so we see the most reflected light.
In short: The moon is a giant mirror in space, reflecting the sun's light towards Earth.