During a new moon phase, the illuminated side of the moon is facing directly away from Earth. This is why we can't see the moon at all during a new moon.

Here's a simple explanation:

* The moon shines because it reflects sunlight.

* During a new moon, the sun and moon are aligned in the sky, with the moon between the Earth and the sun.

* This means the sun is illuminating the far side of the moon, the side we can't see from Earth.

Therefore, even though the moon is still there, we cannot see it because the illuminated side is facing away from us.