Is there a pattern to the way the shape of the Moon changes?
Yes, there is a pattern to the way the shape of the Moon changes. The Moon goes through different phases - from a complete circle (full Moon or Poornima) to shapes like the letter 'C', then to a half-moon shape, and finally to a night when it is not visible at all (new Moon or Amavasya). This cycle repeats periodically.
Explanation
The chapter explains on pages 9-10: 'The shape of the Moon looks different on different nights. On some nights, it is a complete circle. This is known as Poornima or the full Moon. On some other nights, it looks like the letter 'C'. On some nights, it looks like it has been cut down the middle. There are also nights when the Moon is not visible at all. This is known as Amavasya or the new Moon, which happens periodically.'