I need this one for my science class. Thanks.
Have you ever seen a new Moon? Yes or No?
Explain why you could or could not see a new Moon. Be sure to indicate times it could be viewed and how it might appear.
2007-02-20 11:37:53 · 11 answers · asked by Ryoma Echizen 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Normally I'm against doing someone's homework for them, but...A new moon can't be viewed because it is the phase where there is no moon visible in the sky. It can't be viewed at any time because there is nothing to see. It happens because where the moon is between the sun and the earth (though not nessecarily in the same plane) so the sunlight reflecting off the moon is not visible from earth.
Of course, you could also argue that you have seen a new moon once a month (one phase cycle-one month), because you saw no moon in the sky hence seeing a new moon. So really it's a pointless question.
2007-02-20 11:45:04 · answer #1 · answered by ♫ Melody 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I have seen it. It looks like a grey circle in the sky, very washed out because of the blue sky in front of it. It has the same size the moon usually does.
A new Moon happens every 29.5 days or so, when the Moon is closest to the Sun. You can see it because sunlight is reflected from the Earth onto the Moons dark side.
If the new moon happens when you are at sunset or dawn, you can see a tiny bit of the Moons sunlit side, even though the Moon is directly over the "noon" line on the Earth.
When I couldn't see a full moon? Because:
(1) I was doing something else, and didn't look
(2) Clouds got in the way
(3) I was on the night side of the Earth
(4) It was too close the the Sun, so I didn't look.
Remember, its the same moon for everybody. If you happen to be on the same side of the Earth as the Moon, you can generally see it. Sometimes it's too close the the horizon, and hills or clouds get in the way.
I couldn't find any pictures of a new moon in the sky, but here is one of a 6 hour old moon.
--- Added later: the second link has some picture of new moons. It is easier to see the new moon with your eye than in a picture.
2007-02-20 11:57:09 · answer #2 · answered by morningfoxnorth 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well technically you can't see a new moon, because the sun isn't reflecting off of the moon so we can see it.
2007-02-20 11:40:54 · answer #3 · answered by Ree 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a new moon can't be seen. new moon can be defined as the time when the moon is in such a position where there is no light reflected on it, therefore, not being visible.
2007-02-20 11:40:43 · answer #4 · answered by stephieSD 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, technically it is not visible, as it is in complete darkness
New Moon - Not visible, or traditionally, the first visible crescent of the Moon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_phases
2007-02-20 15:48:23 · answer #5 · answered by srrl_ferroequinologist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, at least you're honest it's a homework question.
The only time you can see the new moon is during a solar eclipse, when it blocks the light of the sun.
2007-02-20 11:40:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_phase
this should answer all your questions. I usually don't answer homework questions, mainly cuz kids now a days are lazy. But I will give you a jump start to finding your answer.
Good luck, and thanks for being honest and saying it was indeed homework. Instead of trying to play it off like you were just wanting to know.
2007-02-20 11:43:03 · answer #7 · answered by sesamenc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't see a new moon because the earth's shadow is covering the moon so the sun can't shine on it (that's why we can see the moon because the sun is lighting it up!)
2007-02-20 11:40:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
no b/c a new moon is dark
2007-02-20 11:40:56 · answer #9 · answered by neongreensugar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because a new moon looks new
2007-02-20 11:40:16 · answer #10 · answered by GaMeBoY 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋