an old phase or even a total eclipse
That is the first quarter moon which looks like a half moon.
New Moon Phase
In the new Moon phase.
The moon will disappear when it is in the new moon phase, as ironic as that sounds.
new moon
After a week from new moon, you'll see a half moon. This is more correctly called the First Quarter phase of the Moon.
That is the first quarter moon which looks like a half moon.
First Quarter does.
The First Quarter moon
Two weeks after the waning gibbous phase of the moon you will see a new moon.
Tonight the 16th November 2009 is a new Moon, so last night there should have been no Moon visible.
New Moon.
The New Moon always occurs very close to the moon's "new moon" phase.
On a New Moon PhaseOn a New Moon Phase
The Moon's phase is New Moon.
New Moon Phase
New Moon Phase