A
lunar conjunction is the event when the earth, moon and sun, in that order, are approximately in a straight line. (See
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 moonIn astronomical terminology, the phrase 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
calendarA 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 calendarThe Islamic calendar or Muslim calendar or Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar based on 12 lunar months in a year of 354 or 355 days, used to date events in many Muslim countries , and used by Muslims everywhere to determine the proper day on which...
and the
Hebrew calendarThe Hebrew calendar or Jewish calendar is a lunisolar calendar used by Jews, and in recent decades, by a growing number of Christians...
.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Lunar conjunction' Start a new discussion about 'Lunar conjunction' Answer questions from other users |
A
lunar conjunction is the event when the earth, moon and sun, in that order, are approximately in a straight line. (See
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 moonIn astronomical terminology, the phrase 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
calendarA 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 calendarThe Islamic calendar or Muslim calendar or Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar based on 12 lunar months in a year of 354 or 355 days, used to date events in many Muslim countries , and used by Muslims everywhere to determine the proper day on which...
and the
Hebrew calendarThe Hebrew calendar or Jewish calendar is a lunisolar calendar used by Jews, and in recent decades, by a growing number of Christians...
.
The opposite event is called full moon or lunar opposition when sun, earth and moon, in that order, are approximately in a straight line.