Lunar conjunction
Encyclopedia
A lunar conjunction is the event when the earth, moon and sun, in that order, are approximately in a straight line. (See conjunction (astronomy)
for a precise definition.) It is sometimes referred to as the new moon
, though traditionally and Biblically new moon refers to observance by earth bound individuals of the first visible crescent of rebuilding moon light. The period of time between two lunar conjunctions is the synodic month, which is a basic unit in most lunar and lunisolar calendar
s such as the Islamic calendar
and the Hebrew calendar
.
The opposite event is called full moon or lunar opposition when sun, earth and moon, in that order, are approximately in a straight line.
Conjunction (astronomy)
Conjunction is a term used in positional astronomy and astrology. It means that, as seen from some place , two celestial bodies appear near one another in the sky...
for a precise definition.) It is sometimes referred to as the new moon
New moon
In astronomical terminology, the new moon is the lunar phase that occurs when the Moon, in its monthly orbital motion around Earth, lies between Earth and the Sun, and is therefore in conjunction with the Sun as seen from Earth...
, though traditionally and Biblically new moon refers to observance by earth bound individuals of the first visible crescent of rebuilding moon light. The period of time between two lunar conjunctions is the synodic month, which is a basic unit in most lunar and lunisolar calendar
Calendar
A calendar is a system of organizing days for social, religious, commercial, or administrative purposes. This is done by giving names to periods of time, typically days, weeks, months, and years. The name given to each day is known as a date. Periods in a calendar are usually, though not...
s such as the Islamic calendar
Islamic calendar
The Hijri calendar , also known as the Muslim calendar or Islamic calendar , is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 lunar months in a year of 354 or 355 days. It is used to date events in many Muslim countries , and used by Muslims everywhere to determine the proper day on which to celebrate Islamic...
and the Hebrew calendar
Hebrew calendar
The Hebrew calendar , or Jewish calendar, is a lunisolar calendar used today predominantly for Jewish religious observances. It determines the dates for Jewish holidays and the appropriate public reading of Torah portions, yahrzeits , and daily Psalm reading, among many ceremonial uses...
.
The opposite event is called full moon or lunar opposition when sun, earth and moon, in that order, are approximately in a straight line.