What phase is the Moon in during a total solar eclipse?

What phase is the Moon in during a total solar eclipse?

• A. Waning Crescent
• B. Full Moon
• C. Waxing Crescent
• D. New Moon

Answer: (D)

A solar eclipse requires the Moon to be directly between the Sun and the Earth, so the Moon must be in the New Moon phase. In this phase the side of the Moon that faces us is not illuminated, so it appears dark and can move in front of the Sun to block its light entirely, producing a total solar eclipse. The other phases—waxing or waning crescent occurs when the Moon is near the Sun but not aligned to cover it, and a Full Moon is when the Moon is opposite the Sun and thus cannot block it. So the correct phase during a total solar eclipse is New Moon.

A solar eclipse requires the Moon to be directly between the Sun and the Earth, so the Moon must be in the New Moon phase. In this phase the side of the Moon that faces us is not illuminated, so it appears dark and can move in front of the Sun to block its light entirely, producing a total solar eclipse. The other phases—waxing or waning crescent occurs when the Moon is near the Sun but not aligned to cover it, and a Full Moon is when the Moon is opposite the Sun and thus cannot block it. So the correct phase during a total solar eclipse is New Moon.