Here's why:

* Moonlight is reflected sunlight: The moon doesn't produce its own light. It reflects sunlight, making it appear bright.

* Absence of light pollution: Without the moon, the absence of reflected sunlight allows for a deeper darkness. This allows stars to appear brighter, and in areas without light pollution, the night sky can be truly breathtaking.

While a full moon can seem incredibly bright, it's actually much dimmer than a clear, moonless night with a vast starry sky.