Rare ‘Black Moon' to rise this week: What to know about the phenomenon
Rising Aug. 23, the Black Moon won't be as eye-catching as other celestial events this month – in fact you won't be able to see the moon at all – but its rarity makes it fascinating, according to Space.com. While not an official astronomical term, Black Moon is used to describe 'unusual timings of new moon phases.'
To understand it better, it may help to think about the Blue Moon, of 'Once in a Blue Moon' fame. The phrase references the rare 'extra' full moon that happens every two-and-a-half years, according to NASA.
Because the moon's cycle is 29.5 days, slightly less than the average month, eventually a full moon will fall on the first or second day of the month, allowing for another full moon to occur just before the month ends.
Conversely, a Black Moon refers to the new moon phase, or as NASA puts it 'the invisible phase' when the moon rises with the sun, but is positioned between Earth and the sun. The illuminated side of the moon is opposite Earth, making it impossible to see.
A Black Moon also happens due to the gap between the lunar cycle and the average length of the calendar month, with the term being used for the third of four new moons in a season, according to Weather Network meteorologist Scott Sutherland. August 23 marks the third new moon of the 2025 summer season, with the fourth falling on Sept. 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 anyone still underwhelmed by the upcoming Black Moon, keep in mind that a new moon also brings the darkest night sky and best chance to star gaze.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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