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It’s a new Moon! For astronomers, a new Moon means no Moon to look at. For many cultures, however, the new Moon carries special meaning. So, when will the new moons be in 2024? What does a new Moon look like? Let’s explore, fellow Moon lovers …
What Is a New Moon?
A new Moon is essentially the opposite of a full Moon. During a full Moon, we see the side of the Moon that is illuminated by the Sun, giving the Moon its bright, glowing appearance. During a new Moon, however, we see the side of the Moon that is not being illuminated by the Sun, which makes the Moon blend in with the night sky.
When the Moon is “new,” it’s located between the Earth and the Sun. In other words, the Moon is in line with the Sun, and the Sun and Earth are on opposite sides of the Moon. (Note that when the Moon is perfectly aligned in front of the Sun, it blocks out the Sun, giving us a solar eclipse.)
The new Moon marks the beginning of a lunar cycle. This means that there’s a new Moon about once a month because the Moon takes about a month (29.5 days) to orbit Earth.
In fact, the word “moon” shares its origins with the Latin word metri, which means “to measure,” and mensis, which means “month.” The Moon is called the Moon because it is used to measure the months.
When Is the Next New Moon?
Check out our Moon Phase Calendar or consult the table below to find out when the next new Moon will occur. Time refers to the moment when the Moon is illuminated by 0%. (Note: Dates and times are according to Eastern time.)
The new Moon is also lit up from behind, showing us its dark side. It’s doubly invisible. New Moons generally can’t be seen with the naked eye.
A day or two after each month’s new Moon, a very slim crescent moon always becomes visible in the west after sunset. It may appear brighter than usual.
Here at The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the new Moon is strongly associated with Gardening by the Moon. According to this age-old practice, one should plant vegetables that bear crops above ground during the light, or waxing, of the Moon: from the day the Moon is new to the day it is full.
And, of course, many skywatchers look forward to the return of the Moon to the evening sky with the first sighting of the waxing crescent one or two days later. This very thin crescent is always low in the evening twilight.
After the Moon’s absence for a few days, it’s kind of a lunar rebirth. Thus, many cultures revolved around ceremonies around the first appearance of the new Moon.
For Muslims, its sighting officially marks the beginning of each month. The next upcoming young Moon sighting will mark the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Dark Side of the Moon
We’re often asked about the “dark” side of the Moon. There is no continually dark “side” of the Moon. Every part of the Moon has both day and night in half–month intervals. See more about the dark or far side of the Moon.
Black Moons
When more than one full Moon occurs within a calendar month, we call this a Blue Moon. When the same happens with a new Moon, we instead call it a Black Moon! However, as with Blue Moons, there are a few different definitions. Read more about Black Moons here.
A Smile or an Archer’s Bow?
Sometimes, we’re asked about when the Moon “smiles.” Only in late winter (January and February) does the waxing crescent Moon look like a smile. The rest of the year, it’s more or less lit up on its right side, especially in the autumn. (The crescent Moon is never oriented like a frown).
Bob Berman, astronomer editor for The Old Farmer’s Almanac, covers everything under the Sun (and Moon)! Bob is the world’s most widely read astronomer and has written ten popular books. Read More from Bob Berman
The new moon is not visible in the night sky. It is between the sun and the earth at that point in its orbit, on the day side only, and is invisible because of glare, unless it crosses the sun's ecliptic and eclipses the sun. There is no dark disk in the night sky blotting out a circle of stars.
concerning the comet; I have a full view of the north + west sky; I see Polaris every night; I'll be looking forward to the comet~I have binoculars; thanks Bob!
No...no it doesn't ..at all ever..the shadows in the craters proves that ..the angle compared to the sun, etc..why do yal believe and say such foolish stuff with no real research ? Honestly it makes humanity look really dumb imo