What does a new moon look like?

A new moon is not visible. During a new moon, the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. The part of the moon that is lit is facing the sun and not the Earth.

The lunar cycle starts with a new moon. During a new moon, the side of the moon facing the Earth is not receiving any sunlight, so it appears black. The moon only reflects whatever light shines upon it. If no light is shining on it, then the moon cannot reflect any light. The only time the new moon is visible is during a solar eclipse, when the sun's corona shines around the outline of the moon. The new moon is not visible because it rises and sets with the sun and is eclipsed by the sun's brightness.