Rare Black Moon in the Sky Tonight: When and How to See August 2025 Special Moon in India

August Black Moon (Image: Canva)

A rare lunar phase will unfold on 22 August. Known as a Black Moon, it will occur in the early hours, though it cannot be seen directly from Earth.

What is a Black Moon?
A Black Moon is not an official scientific term. It describes unusual timings of new moons within a season. In this case, it is the third new moon in a season of four. Normally, each season has only three new moons. But the lunar cycle does not match the calendar perfectly. When a season gains a fourth, the third is named a Black Moon.

When and where will it occur?
The Black Moon will take place at 2:06 a.m. EDT. That converts to 06:06 GMT and 11:36 a.m. IST in India. At that moment, the moon will be in its new moon phase. It will be positioned in the constellation Leo, lying just one degree north of the sun. The last seasonal Black Moon was seen on 19 May 2023. This summer began with a new moon on 25 June. It continued with phases on 23 July, 3 August and 21 September. That sequence makes 23 August the seasonal Black Moon.

Seasonal Black Moons appear only once every 33 months. Another version of the term refers to a second new moon in a calendar month. That type will not appear until 31 August 2027.

Can the Black Moon be seen?
Unlike a supermoon or eclipse, the Black Moon is invisible. During the new moon phase, its sunlit side faces away from Earth. The moon rises and sets with the sun, making it impossible to watch directly. However, stargazers will notice a treat soon after. On 24 and 25 August, a slim crescent will emerge after sunset. Look west about 30 to 40 minutes later for a silver arc. Dark skies during this period are excellent for skywatchers. It is an ideal time to see faint deep-sky objects and to admire the bright core of the Milky Way.