New moon

:This article is about the lunar phase; for the magazine, see New Moon (magazine).

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The new moon is a lunar phase traditionally associated with the appearance of the first visible crescent of the Moon, after conjunction with the Sun. This takes place over the western horizon in a brief period between sunset and moonset, and therefore the precise time and even the date of the appearance of the new moon by this definition will be influenced by the geographical location of the observer. The astronomical new moon, sometimes known as the dark moon to avoid confusion, occurs by definition at the moment of conjunction in ecliptic longitude with the Sun, when the Moon is invisible from the Earth. This moment is unique and does not depend on location, and under certain circumstances it may be coincident with a solar eclipse.

Related Topics:
Lunar phase - Visible - Crescent - Moon - Conjunction - Horizon - Sunset - Moonset - Dark moon - Ecliptic longitude - Eclipse

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The new moon is the beginning of the month in lunar calendars such as the Muslim calendar, and in lunisolar calendars such as the Hebrew calendar, Buddhist calendar, and Chinese calendar.

Related Topics:
Month - Lunar calendar - Muslim calendar - Lunisolar calendar - Hebrew calendar - Buddhist calendar - Chinese calendar

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