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How Is a New Moon Sighted Astronomically?

The new moon, or dark moon, occurs when the moon, sun and the Earth are closely aligned. This makes the moon invisible from our perspective on Earth. Nonetheless, astronomers have ways of studying the moon even during the dark phase. Some of these approaches mingle technology and scientific knowledge, while others get help from natural objects or occurrences.

Earthshine
- Most people know that the moon reflects sunlight, but may not know that the Earth does too. Leonardo da Vinci was the first person who explained this phenomenon called earthshine, which happens when the sun sets on the side of the moon facing the Earth. This provides natural illumination for the dark side of the moon, giving it a faint glow. The time that it̵7;s easiest to see the effects of earthshine are from just before a new moon until just after. In this case, the Earth allows us to see the outlines of the new moon when under normal circumstances we could not. Other phrases used for earthshine are ̶0;the old moon in the new moon̵7;s arms̶1; and ̶0;the moon̵7;s ashen glow.̶1;
Solar Eclipse
- Because of the way in which the moon moves around the Earth, the only time a solar eclipse occurs is when the new moon passes between the sun and the Earth. As the moon travels in its natural course, the sun provides back-lighting, bringing the dark moon̵7;s shadow clearly into view. The result is a stunning partial or full halo around the new moon.
Star and Planet Displacement
- Occultation is the term astronomers use to describe the disappearance of a planet or star because the moon blocks its view. On any night, the moon̵7;s path takes it visually across the paths of various stars and planets. If an astronomer knows approximately where in the sky the new moon should be, he can then set telescopes and observe dots of light that disappear on the moon̵7;s edge and reappear shortly thereafter. The dark moon provides a perfect backdrop, and the stars give an indication of the new moon̵7;s outline. Since the surface of the moon is irregular, stars that disappear in irregular zones provide stunning visuals and also help astronomers map the topography of the moon.
Space Images
- Thanks to ongoing advancements in technology, astronomers can sight the new moon from the Space Station. The International Space Station is fully equipped with a huge digital camera operation. The images provide a different vantage point for lunar viewing, and the computerized format allows scientists on Earth access to the imagery. There are plans for installing HD video equipment in the station that will provide real-time images of the Earth and the moon.

Astronomy