(NEXSTAR) – Just a few weeks after twin meteor showers passed overhead, there’s another astronomical phenomenon set to occur – a “Black Moon.”
On August 23, the Black Moon will make its appearance, though it won’t stand out as much as other sky occurrences this month. In fact, it will be invisible, but Space.com notes that its uniqueness makes it intriguing. The term “Black Moon” isn’t an official scientific label but is used to describe “rare timings of new moon phases.”
To grasp this concept, consider the Blue Moon, known for the saying “Once in a Blue Moon.” This expression refers to the uncommon occurrence of an “extra” full moon that appears approximately every two-and-a-half years, as explained by NASA.
Since the lunar cycle lasts 29.5 days, which is a bit shorter than a typical month, occasionally a full moon will occur at the start of the month, allowing for another full moon to happen just before the month concludes.
On the other hand, a Black Moon pertains to the new moon phase, or as NASA describes it, “the invisible phase.” During this time, the moon rises with the sun but is aligned between Earth and the sun. This positioning leaves the moon’s illuminated side facing away from Earth, rendering it invisible.
A Black Moon arises from the mismatch between the lunar cycle and the standard calendar month length. The term also refers to the third of four new moons in a season, as stated by Weather Network meteorologist Scott Sutherland. On August 23, we will witness the third new moon of the 2025 summer, with the fourth one following on September 21, according to Space.com.
Alternatively, a Black Moon can also mean the second new moon in a single calendar month, a phenomenon that won’t happen again until Aug. 31, 2027.
For those feeling unimpressed by the forthcoming Black Moon, remember that a new moon results in the darkest night, offering the best opportunity for stargazing.
