Seasonal Black Moon marks rare lunar event

On August 23, 2025, a rare Black Moon will occur, marking the third new moon in a season with four new moons, an event that happens roughly once every 33 months.

Unlike a typical full moon, a Black Moon is not visible in the sky because it coincides with the new moon phase, meaning the side facing Earth receives no sunlight.

The seasonal Black Moon creates a night sky without moonlight, offering optimal viewing conditions for celestial objects.

Observers in the Northern Hemisphere will have particularly clear views of the Summer Triangle, formed by the stars Vega, Deneb, and Altair, as well as an unobstructed view of the Milky Way stretching across the sky.

Stargazers in the Southern Hemisphere will also benefit from darker skies, allowing for better observation of deep-sky objects and planets.

This phenomenon is distinct from monthly Black Moons, which occur when a calendar month contains two new moons.

Astronomers note that the absence of moonlight during a Black Moon allows for enhanced stargazing, making it a noteworthy event for astronomy enthusiasts.

While the moon itself remains invisible, its presence as a new moon influences tides and natural rhythms, continuing the cycle of lunar phases.

Black Moons are part of the regular lunar calendar, and their infrequent occurrence makes them notable for astronomy observers and the general public alike.