An invisible ‘black moon’ is set to rise. What to know about the new moon
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An invisible ‘black moon’ is set to rise. What to know about the new moon
This month’s new moon is a seasonal black moon, coming in the early morning hours of Saturday, Aug. 23. The occurrance happens once every 33 months or so as the third of four new moons in a season. Since new moons are invisible, consider heading to one of Michigan’s dark sky areas under a clear night sky to get a clear look at the stars overhead Friday night or Saturday night. There is a chance of rain and clouds in parts of northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, but partly or mostly clear skies are forecast in some regions. The black moon gets its name from the invisibility of the new moon, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
This month’s new moon is a seasonal black moon, coming in the early morning hours of Saturday, Aug. 23. The occurrance happens once every 33 months or so as the third of four new moons in a season, according to Space.com. Seasons typically have three new moons.
Since new moons are invisible — we’re viewing the unlit side of the moon as it moves between the Earth and sun — consider heading to one of Michigan’s dark sky areas under a clear night sky to get a clear look at the stars overhead Friday night, Aug. 22, or Saturday night, Aug. 23.
Local National Weather Service offices forecast partly or mostly clear skies in some regions, but there is a chance of rain and clouds in parts of northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
Here’s what to know about the black moon.
What is a new moon?
A new moon is the invisible phase of the moon, with the illuminated side of the moon facing the sun and the night side facing Earth. It’s essentially the opposite of a full moon, the Old Farmer’s Almanac says.
When the moon is “new,” it’s located between the Earth and the sun. The moon is in the same part of the sky as the sun and rises and sets with the sun.
Not only is the illuminated side facing away from the Earth, it also appears in the sky during the day, NASA says.
When is the black moon in August 2025?
The black moon will be Aug. 23, as it enters its new moon phase at 2:06 a.m., according to Live Science.
What is a black moon?
A black moon is a type of new moon, Space.com says.
Will you be able to see the black moon?
No, black moons, like other new moons, are essentially invisible.
How did the black moon get its name?
The name black moon comes from the invisibility of the new moon, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Why do black moons occur?
A black moon can happen under three astronomical patterns, Space.com and the Old Farmer’s Almanac say.
Two new moons occur in one month, the second being a monthly black moon.
In a season with four new moons, the third new moon is a seasonal black moon.
When there are no new moons in February, January and March will each have two new moons, the second of each being a black moon.
Which type of black moon will occur in August 2025?
This month will see a seasonal black moon, the third of four new moons this season, according to Space.com. Seasonal black moons occur once about every 33 months, Time and Date said.
When is the next black moon?
The next monthly black moon will occur Aug. 31, 2027, and the next seasonal black moon Aug. 20, 2028, according to Time and Date.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.