State whether the following statements are True or False. (i) We can only see that part of the Moon which reflects sunlight towards us. (ii) The shadow of Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon causing phases. (iii) Calendars are based on various astronomical cycles which repeat in a predictable manner. (iv) The Moon can only be seen at night.
True. The Moon does not emit its own light and shines only by reflecting sunlight. We can see only the illuminated portion of the Moon that faces the Earth and reflects sunlight towards us.
False. The phases of the Moon are not caused by Earth's shadow. Phases occur due to the relative positions of the Sun, Moon, and Earth as the Moon revolves around the Earth, which changes the illuminated portion visible from Earth.
True. Calendars are based on predictable astronomical cycles such as the Earth's rotation (day), the Moon's revolution around Earth (month), and Earth's revolution around the Sun (year).
False. The Moon can be visible during the daytime as well. Depending on its phase and position in its orbit, the Moon can sometimes be spotted in the eastern or western sky during daylight hours.
Explanation
(i) The chapter explains that the Moon does not emit light of its own but shines because it reflects sunlight that falls on it. Only the half of the Moon facing the Sun receives sunlight and becomes illuminated. We can only see the illuminated portion of the Moon from Earth. (ii) The chapter explicitly states in the 'A step further' section: 'The Moon phases do not happen due to Earth's shadow. It is an incorrect explanation for the Moon's phases that Earth's shadow falls on it.' The Earth's shadow on the Moon causes a lunar eclipse, not the Moon's phases. (iii) The chapter explains that the natural cycles observed in nature resulted in the creation of calendars. The day is based on Earth's rotation, the month on the Moon's phases cycle (about 29.5 days), and the year on Earth's revolution around the Sun (about 365.25 days). (iv) The chapter begins with Meera noticing the Moon shining during the daytime at the Kite Festival. The 'A step further' section explains that sometimes moonrise happens in the afternoon (around 2:00–4:00 p.m.), so the Moon can be spotted in the eastern sky during daylight.