Identify the dates of the new moon and full moon in your community's calendar every month. Do you notice any pattern?
Pattern Observed: New moon (Amavasya) and full moon (Purnima) occur at regular intervals of approximately 15 days.
The lunar cycle repeats every 29-30 days, with new moon and full moon alternating throughout the year.
Explanation
The chapter encourages students to observe lunar patterns. New moon occurs when the Moon is between Earth and Sun (not visible). Full moon occurs when Earth is between Sun and Moon (fully visible). These phases repeat in a cycle of approximately 15 days between each phase.
Solution Steps
Observe the dates of new moon (Amavasya) and full moon (Purnima) in the calendar each month.
Note the interval between consecutive phases (approximately 15 days).
Observe that the complete lunar cycle repeats every 29-30 days.
Identify the pattern: new moon and full moon alternate throughout the year.