The new moon on August 23 will be a special event. This new moon won’t be visible as it happens during the day. It will reach its closest point to the sun at 2:06 a.m. EDT, marking the end of one moon cycle and the start of another.
This new moon also sets the stage for a series of eclipses. Over the next year, there will be one lunar eclipse and three solar eclipses, culminating in 2044. It’s fascinating how these celestial events are connected.
Understanding Eclipses
Solar eclipses happen at new moons, while lunar eclipses occur at full moons. Just two weeks after this new moon, a full moon will rise on September 7. People in North America will see a normal full moon, but skywatchers in parts of Asia, Australia, and the Pacific will enjoy a total lunar eclipse.
Then, two weeks after that, on September 22, folks in New Zealand and Antarctica will get to witness a deep partial solar eclipse. During this event, about 79% of the sun will be obscured by the moon.
Looking ahead, on August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will occur, with a path of totality stretching from northern Russia through Greenland and into Spain.
The Black Moon Phenomenon
This new moon is also noteworthy because it’s classified as a “black moon.” This term refers to a season where there are four new moons. This is a rare event, occurring less frequently than once every three years.
What Is Eclipse Season?
Eclipse seasons happen twice a year. During these times, the moon’s orbit aligns perfectly with Earth and the sun. This means at least two eclipses can occur within a short span. The geometry that allows this to happen is due to the moon’s tilt, which is about five degrees off compared to Earth’s orbit. During these seasons, either a lunar eclipse or a solar eclipse will take place.
Future Eclipses to Watch
The next time a new moon falls on August 23 will be in 2044, coinciding with a total solar eclipse visible from parts of Canada and the U.S. Sharing similar dates is a result of the Metonic cycle, where lunar phases repeat roughly every 19 years. This cycle explains why eclipses can seem to happen in patterns.
As you look up at the stars, remember that these lunar events have been fascinating people for centuries. They connect us to nature and the universe in a way that is humbling and awe-inspiring.
For more in-depth information about eclipses and their significance, you can visit the U.S. Naval Observatory.
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