With reference to the phases of the Moon, consider the following statements: 1. The Full Moon can be seen only once in about a month’s time. 2. The New Moon night is also known as Poornima. 3. On Amavasya, the night sky can be watched best if it is a clear night. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only Explanation The phases of the Moon are determined by the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. A complete cycle of lunar phases, known as a synodic month, takes approximately 29.5 days. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The Full Moon occurs when the Earth is located between the Sun and the Moon, allowing the entire sunlit side of the Moon to be visible from Earth. Since the lunar cycle is roughly one month long (29.5 days), the Full Moon is typically seen only once during this period. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The terminology for lunar phases in the Indian context distinguishes between the Full Moon and the New Moon. The Full Moon night is known as Poornima. The New Moon night is known as Amavasya. - Statement 3 is Correct: On Amavasya (New Moon), the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side faces away from Earth. As a result, there is no moonlight to interfere with the visibility of stars and other celestial bodies. This makes it the best time to observe the night sky, provided the weather is clear. Key Takeaway: Poornima marks the Full Moon phase when the moon is fully visible, whereas Amavasya marks the New Moon phase when the moon is invisible, offering the darkest skies for observation.

NCERT Class 6 Geography — Chapter 1: The earth in the solar system

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With reference to the phases of the Moon, consider the following statements:

The Full Moon can be seen only once in about a month’s time.
The New Moon night is also known as Poornima.
On Amavasya, the night sky can be watched best if it is a clear night.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only

Explanation

The phases of the Moon are determined by the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. A complete cycle of lunar phases, known as a synodic month, takes approximately 29.5 days.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Full Moon occurs when the Earth is located between the Sun and the Moon, allowing the entire sunlit side of the Moon to be visible from Earth. Since the lunar cycle is roughly one month long (29.5 days), the Full Moon is typically seen only once during this period.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The terminology for lunar phases in the Indian context distinguishes between the Full Moon and the New Moon. The Full Moon night is known as Poornima. The New Moon night is known as Amavasya.
Statement 3 is Correct: On Amavasya (New Moon), the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side faces away from Earth. As a result, there is no moonlight to interfere with the visibility of stars and other celestial bodies. This makes it the best time to observe the night sky, provided the weather is clear.

Key Takeaway: Poornima marks the Full Moon phase when the moon is fully visible, whereas Amavasya marks the New Moon phase when the moon is invisible, offering the darkest skies for observation.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: The earth in the solar system

Consider the following statements regarding celestial bodies: 1. All celestial bodies emit their own heat and light in large amounts. 2. Stars are celestial bodies made up of gases. 3. The Sun is a celestial body that reflects the light of other stars. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following star groups is a recognizable part of the Ursa Major constellation?

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Consider the following pairs regarding the Solar System: Pair | Description 1. Geoid | Earth-like shape 2. Orbit | Circular path of planets 3. Satellite | Celestial body moving around planets 4. Asteroids | Found between Earth and Mars How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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The term ‘Planet’ is derived from the Greek word ‘Planetai’, which translates to:

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Consider the following statements regarding the Pole Star: 1. It changes its position constantly throughout the night. 2. It indicates the North direction. 3. Its position can be located with the help of the Saptarishi constellation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Keep practising Chapter 1: The earth in the solar system

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The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only

Explanation

The phases of the Moon are determined by the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. A complete cycle of lunar phases, known as a synodic month, takes approximately 29.5 days.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Full Moon occurs when the Earth is located between the Sun and the Moon, allowing the entire sunlit side of the Moon to be visible from Earth. Since the lunar cycle is roughly one month long (29.5 days), the Full Moon is typically seen only once during this period.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The terminology for lunar phases in the Indian context distinguishes between the Full Moon and the New Moon. The Full Moon night is known as Poornima. The New Moon night is known as Amavasya.
Statement 3 is Correct: On Amavasya (New Moon), the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side faces away from Earth. As a result, there is no moonlight to interfere with the visibility of stars and other celestial bodies. This makes it the best time to observe the night sky, provided the weather is clear.