In this post, we will be dealing with the detailed facts and concepts of the new moon vs full moon.
The new moon and full moon are the two different phases of the moon one is the first phase, and the other is the final phase. These phases change depending on the location of the moon during its motion. One is the darkest phase, and the other is the brightest phase of the moon cycle.
To study the differences between the new moon vs full moon.
| Attributes of comparison | New moon | Full moon |
| Meaning | It is considered the very first phase of the moon cycle and is always the darkest in appearance. | It is considered the very last phase of the moon cycle and is always brightest in appearance. |
| Type of phase | It is the darkest phase of the celestial body moon; one can observe no portion of it. | In the lunar cycle, it is the brightest phase of the celestial moon. |
| Period of appearance | It can be considered the first step or phase in the lunar cycle and appears on the first day. | It can be considered the last step or phase in the lunar cycle and appears in the middle of every month, that is, on the 15th day. |
| Location | It will be situated near the Earth and sun and will be near-by Earth. | At this phase of the cycle, the moon will be located at a far distance. |
| Intensity of light | The new moon will obtain no light and can very hardly illuminate the light. | The full moon will generally be the brightest in its tenure, and it can be seen that most of the light that it attains from the sun is illuminated. |
| Visibility criteria | The visibility criteria for observing the new moon will be challenging because it is the darkest phase. | It is the phase that is brightly visible in the sky. |
| Position regarding Earth and sun | Far | Near |
Full Moon: Meaning and facts
The full moon is the last position in the moon cycle that is attained at 180 degrees in the rotation orbit of the moon.
At this point, the moon will be observed in its brightest mode, Only for a smaller period due to the rotation motion of the moon. During the full moon, the light intensity will be more due to the complete illumination of light obtained from the sun.
The full moon’s position will be either in the upper region or lower region of the elliptical orbit.
To list the significant differences between the new moon vs full moon.
New moon vs solar eclipse
New moon is entirely different to solar eclipse
During solar eclipse, the location and angle of movement of the three celestial bodies will be completely change in comparison with the new moon. The appearance of both sun and moon will be darker.
To study the significant facts of new moon vs full moon.
Significant differences between Full Moon and New moon
The essential differences between a new moon and a full moon are that they differ mainly in light intensity.
- The complete moon is visible in its brightest form on the full moon.
- At the same time, we can observe that the new moon will be in its darker mode.
- The new moon has no light and is hardly illuminated by any other star.
- It can be considered the first step or phase in the lunar cycle and appears on the first day.
- It can be considered the last step or phase in the lunar cycle and appears in the middle of every month, that is, on the 15th day.
The above facts tell the significant concepts of the new moon vs full moon.
Main facts among New moon vs full moon
The above-mentioned facts are the main concepts related to nee moon and full moon.
The new moon is considered to be the very first phase of the moon cycle and is always the darkest in appearance.
Full or brightest moon is considered the very last phase of the moon cycle and is always brightest in appearance
New moon, it is the darkest phase of the celestial body moon; one can observe no portion of it
Full moon, the lunar cycle, it is the brightest phase of the celestial moon.
New moon, it can be considered the first step or phase in the lunar cycle and appears on the first
Full moon, it can be considered the last step or phase in the lunar cycle and appears in the middle of every month, that is, on the 15th day.
The visibility criteria for observing the new moon will be challenging because it is the darkest phase.
Full moon, it is the phase that is brightly visible in the sky.
New moon, it will be situated near the Earth and sun and will be near-by Earth.
Full moon, at this phase of the cycle, the moon will be located at a far
The new moon will obtain no light and can very hardly illuminate.
The full moon will generally be the brightest in its tenure, and it can be seen that most of the light that it attains from the sun.
The above-mentioned facts are the main concepts related to nee moon and full moon.
Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs
What is the main reason behind the shining of the moon?
The main reason behind the moon’s shining is the reflection of light from the sun.
Moon is known to be a non-luminous body, so it gets its light from the reflection process through the sun. Sometimes the moon’s brightness increases because the moon reflects more sunlight from its certain parts that make sit to look eye-catching.
What are the different facts about the moon?
The curious facts about the moon are presented below,
- Moon is considered the natural and only satellite Earth has and is the fifth largest satellite.
- As the earth experience earthquakes, even the moon exhibits a similar process called moonquakes.
- The moon consists of no atmosphere.
- The moon is composed of two primary materials called rock and metals, and its soil is given a particular name called lunar soil.
- There are mainly eight phases that always depend on the moon’s location in its orbit.
What are the essential facts about the new moon phase?
The essential facts of the new moon phase are as written below,
- It is considered to be the darkest portion of the moon cycle.
- It will become not visible during the nighttime.
- Can watch it once every month.
- At the time of a solar eclipse, you can view this phase.
What are the different phases of the moon?
There are mainly eight phases that always depend on the moon’s location in its orbit. The different phases are given below,
- The first phase is a new moon.
- The second will be the waxing crescent moon
- The third phase is the first quarter moon
- The fourth one will be the waxing gibbous moon
- The fifth one will be the full moon
- The sixth step will be the waning gibbous moon
- The seventh one is the last quarter moon
- The eighth step will be the waning crescent moon
Also Read:
- How does a crescent moon occur
- How does a blue moon occur
- How does a blood moon occur
- New moon vs lunar eclipse
I am Raghavi Acharya, I have completed my post-graduation in physics with a specialization in the field of condensed matter physics. I have always considered Physics to be a captivating area of study and I enjoy exploring the various fields of this subject. In my free time, I engage myself in digital art. My articles are aimed towards delivering the concepts of physics in a very simplified manner to the readers.