Super new moon won't be visible in Texas, but stars will. See map of dark sky communities
A rare astronomical event will take place Saturday as a super new moon moves across the sky.
Although this phenomenon brings the moon closer to Earth, don't expect to see it in Texas — this phase keeps the moon hidden in the dark sky, making it invisible to the naked eye.
Still, the dull moonlight will bring darker night skies, allowing the stars to shine brighter than ever and providing ideal conditions for stargazing.
A super new moon happens when the moon is at its closest point to Earth (perigee) during its new moon phase. This means the moon is slightly nearer and appears a bit larger in its orbit, though this effect is not visible to us.
Unfortunately, don't let the name fool you. There's nothing spectacular about a "super new moon" and you actually cannot see it.
During the new moon phase, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, meaning the side facing us isn't lit. So, even though it's closer than usual, it remains hidden in the dark sky.
However, the absence of moonlight means darker skies, making it a perfect opportunity to see stars shining even brighter.
The next super full moon will be on Nov. 5, 2025.
The next full moon, known as the Pink Moon, will reach its peak on Sunday, April 13.
Texas is home to several International Dark Sky Communities, designated by the International Dark-Sky Association for their commitment to reducing light pollution and preserving night skies.
Dripping Springs, located about 23 miles west of Austin, was the first in Texas to earn this title in 2014 and the sixth in the world.
In addition to these communities, Texas also boasts several Dark Sky Places, which include larger natural areas like parks or preserves dedicated to protecting the night sky. These areas typically have minimal artificial light and offer educational opportunities about astronomy.
Notable examples of Dark Sky Places in Texas include Big Bend National Park, Enchanted Rock, and Devils River State Natural Area.
Here are the areas officially recognized for Dark Sky initiatives in Texas.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Best places for stargazing in Texas: See map of dark sky communities
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