Which phase of the Moon occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, showing a dark side to Earth?

Which phase of the Moon occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, showing a dark side to Earth?

• A. Full Moon
• B. New Moon
• C. Crescent Moon
• D. Quarter Moon

Answer: (B)

When the Moon sits between the Earth and the Sun, the Sun’s light shines on the Moon’s far side, leaving the side facing Earth in shadow. That means we see little or no illumination from our viewpoint, which is why this phase is called the New Moon. It marks the start of the lunar cycle, and during this time the Moon is often not easily visible because it rises and sets near the Sun. As the Moon moves, more of the lit side becomes visible, forming crescent shapes, then half of the near side lit at the quarter phases, and eventually a Full Moon when Earth lies between Sun and Moon. A Crescent Moon is the small sliver just after New Moon, and a Quarter Moon is when half of the near side is illuminated.

When the Moon sits between the Earth and the Sun, the Sun’s light shines on the Moon’s far side, leaving the side facing Earth in shadow. That means we see little or no illumination from our viewpoint, which is why this phase is called the New Moon. It marks the start of the lunar cycle, and during this time the Moon is often not easily visible because it rises and sets near the Sun. As the Moon moves, more of the lit side becomes visible, forming crescent shapes, then half of the near side lit at the quarter phases, and eventually a Full Moon when Earth lies between Sun and Moon. A Crescent Moon is the small sliver just after New Moon, and a Quarter Moon is when half of the near side is illuminated.