When does a new Moon occur?

A new Moon occurs when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. This alignment means that the side of the Moon that is illuminated by the Sun is facing away from the Earth, making the Moon appear dark and not visible from our planet.

In the context of the choices provided, the correct answer indicates that the Moon is at a specific position in its orbit where this alignment occurs. It’s essential to understand that during a new Moon, the Moon does not reflect sunlight in a way that is observable from Earth, hence contributing to the “new” appearance.

In contrast, options that suggest the Moon is in the opposite position to the Earth (which would indicate a full Moon), imply that the illuminated side is fully visible, and thus aren't relevant to the occurrence of a new Moon. The term “rising” also refers to the Moon's visibility in the sky rather than its phase or position regarding the Earth and Sun.