Have you heard of the “black moon”? It happens during a new moon phase when the moon isn’t visible. This weekend features one of these rare events, but don’t get too excited — you won’t actually see it.
A black moon occurs when the moon is directly between the Earth and the sun. The side facing the sun lights up, while the side facing us remains dark. Essentially, it’s invisible to the naked eye. So, while it’s technically there, you won’t catch a glimpse of it.
This specific black moon is the third new moon of the summer. Interestingly, a black moon can also refer to a situation where two new moons occur in one month, or if there are four new moons in a season, with the third being labeled as a black moon. The next new moon, which will be in just a few weeks, marks the transition to fall.
According to a 2023 study by NASA, new moons are not just invisible but also present an excellent opportunity to see other celestial objects. During this time, stargazers often spot the stunning Dumbbell Nebula (M27), which is easily seen with a telescope between the stars Altair and Deneb. It’s a great chance for night sky enthusiasts to enjoy other wonders when the moon is out of sight.
The term “black moon” isn’t officially recognized in astronomy, but it certainly fascinates many. In fact, social media has buzzed about this phenomenon, with hashtags like #BlackMoon2023 trending. Users share their excitement about potentially seeing the colorful twilight sky, even if the moon itself is playing hide-and-seek.
If you’re ready to catch the next one, mark your calendars for August 31, 2027. That black moon will occur during a month with two new moons.
So, while you won’t see the moon this weekend, keep looking up! The night sky has plenty of other treasures to discover.
