During a New Moon phase, what is the position of the moon relative to the sun and Earth?

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Study for the NES Elementary Education Subtest 2 with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The correct answer highlights that during a New Moon phase, the moon is positioned directly between the sun and Earth. This positioning means that the sunlight illuminating the moon is facing away from Earth, rendering the moon nearly invisible from our viewpoint.

In this configuration, the moon does not reflect sunlight toward Earth, which contributes to the characteristic darkness of the New Moon phase. This alignment is a critical aspect of lunar phases and is essential for understanding the relationship between the sun, the moon, and Earth in terms of shadows and light.

The other scenarios show different arrangements that do not represent the New Moon phase accurately. The moon being behind the Earth would not create a New Moon, nor would its positioning on the opposite side or at a right angle to the sun and Earth.

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