Skywatchers will observe a New Moon tonight, September 21, 2023, coinciding with a partial solar eclipse visible from select locations, including New Zealand, Antarctica, and the South Pacific. During this celestial event, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow that partially obscures the Sun’s light. This phenomenon occurs exclusively during the New Moon phase, when the Moon is positioned directly between the Earth and the Sun.
According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, the visibility of the Moon is officially at 0% during this New Moon phase. As a result, it will not be visible to observers on Earth. However, beginning tomorrow, the Moon will start to reappear in the night sky, transitioning toward its next phase.
Understanding Moon Phases
The various phases of the Moon result from its 29.5-day orbit around the Earth, which alters the angles formed between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. This cycle leads to different visible appearances of the Moon from our perspective on Earth, including full moons, half moons, and periods where the Moon is entirely invisible.
NASA explains that eight primary phases characterize this lunar cycle:
– **New Moon**: The Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, rendering it invisible.
– **Waxing Crescent**: A small crescent of light appears on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
– **First Quarter**: Half of the Moon is illuminated on the right side, appearing as a half-moon.
– **Waxing Gibbous**: More than half is illuminated, but it is not yet full.
– **Full Moon**: The entire face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
– **Waning Gibbous**: The Moon begins to lose light on the right side.
– **Last Quarter (or Third Quarter)**: The left side of the Moon is illuminated, creating another half-moon appearance.
– **Waning Crescent**: A thin crescent of light remains on the left side before the Moon returns to darkness.
The next full moon will occur on **October 6, 2023**, following the last full moon on **September 7, 2023**. As the lunar cycle continues, enthusiasts can look forward to observing the Moon’s gradual transformation from a New Moon to a Full Moon in the coming weeks.
This evening’s celestial events not only offer a chance for scientific observation but also provide an opportunity for those interested in astronomy to engage with the natural world. Whether in the southern hemisphere or elsewhere, the intersection of the New Moon and a solar eclipse represents a fascinating spectacle worth noting.
