What astronomical event occurs during the new moon phase?

During the new moon phase, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. This alignment can create the conditions necessary for a solar eclipse, which occurs when the moon passes directly in front of the Sun, blocking its light either partially or completely depending on the observer's location on Earth. The solar eclipse can only happen during a new moon because that is the only time the moon is in the right position to obscure the Sun from view.

In contrast, a lunar eclipse occurs during the full moon when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the moon, preventing sunlight from reaching the moon's surface. The terms "black moon" and "harvest moon" refer to specific lunar phenomena or harvest cycles that do not directly relate to the astronomical events that occur during a new moon phase, such as eclipses. A black moon typically refers to a second new moon in a calendar month, while a harvest moon is the full moon closest to the time of the autumn equinox, which helps farmers harvest their crops.