New moon visibility
The visibility of a new moon depends on several factors, including the time of year, the location on Earth, and the amount of moonlight that is scattered by the Earth's atmosphere.
Here are some general guidelines for new moon visibility:
- Time of year: New moons occur every 29.5 days, which is the same amount of time it takes the Moon to orbit the Earth. However, the visibility of a new moon can vary depending on the time of year. During the summer months, the new moon is often visible in the early morning hours, while in the winter months, it may be visible in the late evening hours.
- Location: The visibility of a new moon can also depend on the location on Earth. In general, the farther north you are, the more difficult it is to see a new moon. This is because the Moon is lower in the sky at higher latitudes, making it more difficult to see.
- Atmospheric conditions: The amount of moonlight that is scattered by the Earth's atmosphere can also affect the visibility of a new moon. If the atmosphere is clear and there are no clouds or other obstructions, the new moon may be more visible. However, if the atmosphere is hazy or there are clouds, the new moon may be more difficult to see.
Here are some specific times and dates for new moon visibility in the coming months:
- March 2023: The new moon will occur on March 21 at 10:23 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). It will be visible in the early morning hours in the Northern Hemisphere and in the late evening hours in the Southern Hemisphere.
- April 2023: The new moon will occur on April 19 at 14:35 UTC. It will be visible in the late evening hours in the Northern Hemisphere and in the early morning hours in the Southern Hemisphere.
- May 2023: The new moon will occur on May 18 at 22:58 UTC. It will be visible in the late evening hours in the Northern Hemisphere and in the early morning hours in the Southern Hemisphere.
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines and the actual visibility of a new moon can vary depending on your specific location and the atmospheric conditions.