This weekend, a rare celestial occurrence called a Black Moon will happen. It will provide skywatchers an opportunity to observe skies that are really black and have no moon.
What Is a Black Moon?
“Black Moon” isn’t an official term for an astronomical phenomenon, although it’s commonly used to refer about new moons that arise at unexpected periods. There are two basic meanings:
- 1. Monthly Black Moon: the second new moon that appears in a single month, which happens around every 29 months.
- 2. Seasonal Black Moon: the third new moon in a season with four new moons. This occurs roughly once every 33 months.
This weekend’s event is a seasonal Black Moon, which makes it exceedingly unusual and noteworthy.
When to Expect and What to Expect :
On August 23, 2025, at 06:06 UTC, the new moon will happen. In certain time zones, this is 1:06 a.m. CDT and 11:06 p.m. PDT on August 22.
At this time, the Moon’s lighted side is pointing away from Earth, so we can’t see it at all in the sky. In short, you won’t see the Moon; instead, you’ll notice that it’s not there.
Why It Matters: A Night of Perfect Darkness
The absence of moonlight makes the night sky absolutely clear and black, which is ideal for stargazing and astrophotography. You can see the Milky Way, distant star clusters, nebulae, and even things that are occurring right now, like the conclusion of the Perseid meteor shower, better when the Moon isn’t shining.
Many astronomy fans and observatories remark that these moonless evenings are unusual and wonderful for observing dim celestial objects or capturing long-exposure shots.
What’s going on? This weekend, there will be a seasonal Black Moon, which is the third new moon of the season.
- Visibility: The Moon won’t be visible at all, but the absence of it will make the night quite black.
- Best for: People who wish to enjoy the night sky without being disturbed, such stargazers and astrophotographers.
- Around August 23, 2025, depending on where you reside.
Don’t miss this uncommon opportunity to view the stars if the sky is clear. It’s the perfect night to gaze up and be astounded by the galaxy in its most calm, undisturbed form.
