A rare lunar event will take place on 23 August. Known as a Black Moon, it will occur during the early hours. The event is not visible, but it holds great significance.
What exactly is a Black Moon?
A Black Moon is not an official astronomical term. It is used to describe unusual timings of new moons. This particular case falls under the seasonal definition. That means it is the third new moon in a season of four. Normally, each season only sees three new moons. But the lunar cycle does not align perfectly with the calendar. Occasionally, an extra new moon appears, and the third is called a Black Moon.
When and where will it happen?
The Black Moon will occur at 2:06 a.m. EDT. That is 06:06 GMT or 11:06 p.m. PDT on 22 August. At that time, the moon will pass through its new moon phase. It will be positioned in the constellation Leo. It will also lie just one degree north of the sun. The last seasonal Black Moon took place on 19 May 2023. Summer 2025 began with a new moon on 25 June. It was followed by another on 23 July, then 3 August and 21 September. With four new moons in one season, the 23 August phase becomes the Black Moon.
How rare are Black Moons?
Seasonal Black Moons happen only once every 33 months. Another definition also exists for the term. It can refer to the second new moon in a calendar month. That version will not occur again until 31 August 2027.
Unlike a supermoon or lunar eclipse, it is invisible. During the new moon phase, the sunlit side faces away from Earth. The moon rises and sets with the sun. That makes it impossible to watch in the sky. But the following days bring a special view. On 24 and 25 August, a thin crescent will appear. About 30 to 40 minutes after sunset, look west. A delicate silver arc will mark the moon’s return.
Dark skies during a new moon provide excellent conditions. They are perfect for spotting faint deep-sky objects. Such sights are often lost during brighter lunar phases. It is also an ideal time to view the Milky Way’s dense core.
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