\begin{definition}[Definition:New Moon]
The '''new moon''' is the astronomical phenomenon of the Moon in its orbit coming to its closest point to the Sun:
:800px
Note that the above diagram is not to scale.
At this point in its orbit, the Moon is between Earth and the Sun.
Thus the hemisphere of the Moon which is illuminated by the Sun is facing directly away from Earth.
Thus for an observer of the Moon from Earth, unless an actual solar eclipse is in progress, at this point it cannot be seen, because:
:$(1): \quad$ It is dark
:$(2): \quad$ The Sun is more or less behind it, outshining everything else in the sky.
Category:Definitions/Astronomy
\end{definition}