Will the black moon be visible in Wisconsin? What to know about rare Aug. 23 lunar event
A black moon is expected Aug. 23. It's a special kind of new moon that only happens every few years.
But will the black moon be visible in Wisconsin?
Here's what to know:
What is a black moon?
A black moon is an extra new moon, according to Space.com.
The lunar phenomenon is defined in two different ways, USA TODAY reported. A monthly black moon is the second new moon in a calendar month, while a seasonal black moon is the third new moon in an astronomical season with four new moons.
When will the black moon appear?
The black moon will occur Aug. 23.
Will the black moon be visible in Wisconsin?
No, you can't actually see anything when a black moon happens. Just like other new moons, the unlit side of the moon will be facing Earth, making it invisible, Space.com says.
But even though you won't be able to see the moon itself, the night sky will be ideal for stargazing — and looking for objects that are hard to see when the moon is shining bright, the website notes.
The moon will reappear as a thin crescent on Aug. 24 and 25, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.
More: You can't see it, but a rare 'black moon' is due this week. How it happens.
How often do black moons occur?
Black moons are pretty rare. They only happen once every 33 months, according to Space.com.
When was the last black moon?
Space.com says the last black moon happened on May 19, 2023.
When will the next black moon occur?
The next black moon won't occur until Aug. 31, 2027, Space.com says. This will be a monthly black moon, when there are two new moons in one month.
What are the best places in Wisconsin to watch the night sky?
Even though the black moon won't be visible, it's worth noting that some spots across Wisconsin offer the best view of the night sky:
Newport State Park, Ellison Bay
Driftless Region, Wisconsin
Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium
Kettle Moraine State Forest, Eagle
Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan
Parnell Tower, Plymouth
James Powel and Jenna Prestininzi of USA TODAY contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What is a black moon? What to know about the rare Aug. 23 lunar event
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