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Once in a ‘black moon’? What to know about this upcoming celestial spectacle
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The end of the month will see a special kind of new moon, that has been nicknamed a “black moon.”
A new moon is one of the moon’s eight phases.
It marks its invisible phase, with the illuminated side facing the sun and the night side facing the Earth.
A black moon refers to the second new moon occurring in a calendar month.
This month, it will happen at 5:27 p.m. EST on Monday, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory.
So, how does one view the black moon? Unlike a blue moon — or two full moons that take place in a month — we can’t. While the new moon rises near sunrise and crosses the sky with the sun during the day, the star’s glare is too strong to allow us to see the moon.
However, stars appear brighter, which is good news for stargazers. Light from the moon can be strong enough to block out incoming meteor showers.
And, with new moons, there will be even more of an effect on tides because the sun and Earth are in alignment during the new moon.
After the new moon, people will see a slim crescent in the west after sunset.
There are multiple definitions for the black moon, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
For example. it could be the third new moon in a season of four new moons, during every new moon when the dark side is facing Earth, or when there are no new moons in a month. That last definition can only happen in February because it’s the only calendar month that is shorter than the lunar cycle of 29 days. It occurs every 19 years or so, with the next happening in 2033.
After December 30, the next black moon is in August 2025: the third new moon in a season with four new moons.
Are you ready for a rare celestial event that only happens once in a “black moon”? On [date], skywatchers will have the opportunity to witness this unique phenomenon in the night sky.
What exactly is a “black moon”? Unlike a blue moon, which refers to the second full moon in a calendar month, a black moon is the name given to the second new moon in a calendar month. This means that there will be no visible moon in the sky during this time, making it the perfect opportunity for stargazing and observing other celestial objects.
During a black moon, the sky will be darker than usual, allowing for better visibility of stars, planets, and other astronomical phenomena. It’s a great time to break out your telescope or binoculars and explore the wonders of the night sky.
So mark your calendars and make sure to set aside some time to enjoy this rare celestial spectacle. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just a casual stargazer, the black moon is sure to be a sight to remember. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime event!
Tags:
- Black moon
- Celestial spectacle
- Astronomy event
- Lunar cycle
- Rare moon
- Moon phases
- Astronomical phenomenon
- Dark moon
- Lunar event
- Skywatching opportunity
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