The changing illuminated shapes of the Moon as seen from Earth are called ___ of the Moon.

Phases

During the waning period, the Moon's illuminated portion decreases from a full circle to ___ over about two weeks.

A new Moon

True or False: The Moon produces its own light.

False. The Moon reflects sunlight.

What is the primary reason for the Moon's changing appearance from Earth?

The changing relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun as the Moon orbits Earth.

Fill in the blank: A full cycle of the Moon's phases takes about ___ days.

29.5

Riddle: I am a natural satellite that takes about a month to complete my phases but do not shine bright by myself. What am I?

The Moon

What distinguishes a lunar calendar from a solar calendar?

A lunar calendar is based on the phases of the Moon, while a solar calendar is based on Earth's orbit around the Sun.

Fill in the blank: The period when the Moon's illuminated part increases is known as ___.

Waxing

Which Indian festival is celebrated on the new Moon of Kartika?

Diwali

What causes lunar eclipses to occur?

Lunar eclipses occur when Earth's shadow falls on the Moon, which can only happen during a full Moon.

True or False: The Moon and Sun both rise and set at the same time every day.

False. The Moon rises about 50 minutes later each day.

The Indian National Calendar was introduced in which year?

1956

Riddle: I am a calendar that adapts lunar months to the solar year, adding an extra month occasionally. What type of calendar am I?

Luni-solar calendar

What does the term 'gibbous' refer to when describing the Moon?

A gibbous Moon is more than half but not fully illuminated.

Fill in the blank: The Moon's position in the sky changes daily due to its ___ around Earth.

Orbit