It's usually not as close as it is on the 24th this month. this time, it looks like it will be close enough to block out some of the sun's light. That doesn't happen every month.
It is often closer. The plane of the Moon's orbit around Earth differs from the plane of the ecliptic (the path of the Sun) by a maximum of about 5º in either direction. This month, this year, on the new Moon, the Moon will be about 2º from the ecliptic. Last month it was closer, 1º. Did you notice?
No, it will not block out any of the Sun's light. That would be a partial eclipse. There will be no partial eclipse and the Moon will not be visible.
edit on 12/13/2011 by Phage because: (no reason given)
