In the astrological lexicon, new moon refers to the lunar phase when the moon lies directly between the Earth and the sun. As one of the lunar phases, this astrological event occurs once a month. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the sun and moon in such a manner as to partially or completely block the sun's rays from hitting the moon's surface. Lunar eclipses occur between two and four times a year, although the type of lunar eclipse varies.
Astronomers recognize three types of lunar eclipses; penumbral, partial and total. During the penumbral lunar eclipse, the moon passes through the Earth's shadow. A partial lunar eclipse is identifiable when the moon passes through Earth's umbral shadow, thereby creating an easily recognized shadow over the moon. During a total lunar eclipse the moon passes through the entirety of Earth's umbral shadow and blocks the moon entirely. Unlike lunar eclipses, there exist only two types of new moons; the astronomical new moon and the traditional new moon. The astronomical new moon is defined by the moment when the moon is invisible from Earth, while the traditional new moon is the moment when the first crescent of the moon is visible.
When searching the sky for an astronomical new moon there is nothing to find but darkness because the surface of the moon facing earth is blocked from the sun. However, a traditional new moon is easily spotted as the first appearance of a crescent in the sky. The rare lunar eclipse presents itself in a range of colors from dark brown to yellow. Although the Earth blocks the sun's light from reaching the moon during a lunar eclipse, indirect sunlight still manages to reach its surface. This indirect sunlight passes through the Earth's atmosphere which filters out most of the blue-colored light. The remaining light is deep red, orange and yellow in color and is much darker than the pure white sunlight typically reflecting off the moon's surface.
All around the globe, the phenomena of the moon have been occasions of disquiet and superstition. Every culture varies in its reactions to lunar eclipses but to this day some people in Japan still cover their wells to avoid poisoning by the moon, and native Alaskans are known to turn over their utensils to avoid contamination. The occasion of a new moon is often met with enthusiasm and is reputed to be a good time to begin adventures and projects. Furthermore, some cultures view a new moon on a Monday as a sign of good weather and good luck.