Rare ‘Black Moon’ is about to hang in the night sky. Here’s what to expect
A unique version of a common lunar phase is about to take place in the night sky this weekend for most people on Earth, but don't get your hopes up on seeing it.
The third new moon of this astronomical season out of four is expected to be what is dubbed a "Black Moon," which is expected to take place for the western half of the western hemisphere before 12 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, according to Time and Date . The rest of the world should "see" it after 12 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23,
While there are other definitions for the colloquial term, this particular Black Moon is a phenomenon that happens every 33 months, EarthSky wrote. The last Black Moon like this was May 19, 2023, and is next expected to happen on Aug. 20, 2028.
The caveat with this moon and its "appearance" in the night sky is that it will be invisible. The moon essentially turns invisible when it reaches its monthly new moon phase, according to NASA . The side of the moon lit up by the sun faces the sun, while the dark side of the moon faces Earth.
So the moon will be hidden — which means a darker sky that should lend to better stargazing and telescope opportunities.
Other Black Moons can be the second of two new moons in a calendar month, according to EarthSky. The next of these Black Moons is expected to happen on Aug. 31, 2027.
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