What is the Difference Between Full Moon and New Moon?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a full moon and a new moon lies in the illumination of the Moon's surface visible from Earth. Here are the key differences:
- Full Moon: Occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun, meaning the side of the Moon that is illuminated faces Earth. During a full moon, the entire visible surface of the Moon is lit up, making it appear bright and round in the sky.
- New Moon: Occurs when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, resulting in the side of the Moon that is in shadow facing Earth. During a new moon, the visible surface of the Moon is not illuminated, making it appear dark and nearly invisible in the sky.
Both full moons and new moons are part of the Moon's orbit around Earth, which takes approximately 29.5 days to complete one cycle, known as a synodic month. The illumination of the Moon's surface changes gradually throughout the cycle, with the percentage of illumination increasing from 0% at the new moon to 100% at the full moon, about 14 days later.
Comparative Table: Full Moon vs New Moon
The main difference between a full moon and a new moon lies in their appearance and the phase of the lunar cycle they represent. Here is a table comparing the two:
| Feature | Full Moon | New Moon |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | The Moon appears bright and fully illuminated, with its entire visible surface lit up. | The Moon appears dark and is barely visible to the naked eye, as its illuminated side faces away from Earth. |
| Lunar Cycle Phase | Occurs when the Moon is exactly 180 degrees from the Sun as measured by celestial longitude, and the side of the Moon that faces Earth is fully illuminated. This phase is the climax of the lunar cycle. | Marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle, when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction and aligned on the same side of Earth. This phase is the darkest phase of the lunar cycle. |
| Earth-Sun-Moon Alignment | The Moon, Earth, and Sun are aligned in a syzygy, with the Moon in opposition to the Sun. | The Moon, Earth, and Sun are aligned in a syzygy, with the Moon in conjunction with the Sun. |
| Illumination | 100% illuminated | 0% illuminated |
| Visibility | Easily visible and bright in the sky. | Not visible with the naked eye due to its shadowed side facing Earth. |
In astrology and spiritual practices, full moons and new moons are often associated with different energies and are considered ideal times for setting intentions, starting new projects, or reflecting on personal goals.
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