What is true about the new moon phase?

The new moon phase is indeed significant because it marks the beginning of the lunar cycle. During this phase, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the sun, resulting in the side of the moon that faces Earth being completely shadowed. This absence of sunlight on the visible side means that the new moon is not illuminated and thus begins the cycle towards a full moon. The lunar cycle progresses from the new moon to the waxing phases, culminating in the full moon, and then back to the new moon again. This cyclical pattern is a fundamental aspect of lunar phases and is crucial for understanding moon-related phenomena.