Human WorldSpace

No new moon for February 2014

Posted by
Deborah Byrd
and
February 28, 2014

After a surfeit of new moons in January (well, two), the month of February 2014 has no new moon at all. The synodic period of the moon – from one new moon to the next – is 29.53 days. In a month as short as February, that means a moon phase could easily be left out. That’s the case for February 2014.

The next new moon – launching the start of lunation #1128 – will be March 1 at 0800 UTC (3:00 a.m. EST). March 2014 will have two new moons as well. The second new moon in a single calendar month is sometimes called a Black Moon.

The moon is new when it's most nearly between the Earth and sun for a particular month. It's only when the moon comes exactly between the Earth and sun that we on Earth view an eclipse. Image via Honolulu.hawaii.edu
The moon is new when it’s most nearly between the Earth and sun for a particular month. It’s only when the moon comes exactly between the Earth and sun that we on Earth view an eclipse. Image via Honolulu.hawaii.edu

More interesting, perhaps, February 2018 will have no full moon at all, whereas the months of January and March 2018 will both harbor two full moons. The second full moon in a single calendar month is often called a Blue Moon. The next Blue Moon by this definition will occur on July 31, 2015.

Bottom line: February 2014 doesn’t have a new moon.

Read more about January 2014’s two new moons. The second one was called a Black Moon.

Understanding new moon.

Can you tell me full moon names?

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Posted 
February 28, 2014
 in 
Human World

Deborah Byrd

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About the Author:
Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.

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