Which Moon phase occurs when the Moon is between the Sun and the Earth and the near side is not illuminated?

Which Moon phase occurs when the Moon is between the Sun and the Earth and the near side is not illuminated?

• A. Full Moon
• B. New Moon
• C. First Quarter Moon
• D. Last Quarter Moon

Answer: (B)

The phase is determined by where the Moon sits relative to the Sun and Earth, which determines which side of the Moon is lit toward us. When the Moon lies between the Sun and the Earth, sunlight shines on the far side of the Moon while the side facing Earth is in shadow. From our vantage point, the near side appears dark, so we don’t see illuminated surface—that is the New Moon. This marks the start of the lunar cycle. In contrast, a Full Moon happens when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, so the near side is fully lit; the First Quarter and Last Quarter occur when the Moon is about a quarter way around its orbit, showing half of the near side illuminated.

The phase is determined by where the Moon sits relative to the Sun and Earth, which determines which side of the Moon is lit toward us. When the Moon lies between the Sun and the Earth, sunlight shines on the far side of the Moon while the side facing Earth is in shadow. From our vantage point, the near side appears dark, so we don’t see illuminated surface—that is the New Moon. This marks the start of the lunar cycle.

In contrast, a Full Moon happens when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, so the near side is fully lit; the First Quarter and Last Quarter occur when the Moon is about a quarter way around its orbit, showing half of the near side illuminated.