What is a black moon? How and when you can watch the rare lunar event as it appears in the skies TONIGHT
Share:
A rare lunar phenomenon called the 'black moon' is set to occur tonight – giving stargazers a unique view of the night's sky. This unusual astronomical event, occurring only once every 29 months, has fascinated humans for centuries. A black moon is simply the second new moon in the space of a calendar month – the first lunar phase when the moon's shadowed side is pointing towards us.
![[During the 29.5-day lunar cycle, we observe a new moon (with 0 per cent illumination), a waxing moon (when the amount of illumination on the moon is increasing), a full moon (100 per cent illumination) and then a waning moon (when its visible surface area is getting smaller)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/30/11/93582533-14235965-image-a-48_1735556981198.jpg)
Because it's a new moon, the black moon cannot be seen, not even with a telescope. But it should provide an excellent stargazing opportunity after sunset and into the wee hours of Tuesday. The moon will be notable by its absence in the night's sky, as if it's been blotted out by the gods, while the stars and planets will appear particularly bright.
![[Tonight, the lack of moonlight due to the new moon creates ideal conditions for stargazing. Mars should also be visible, appearing as a reddish dot, close to the constellation of Cancer the crab (left)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/30/11/93583099-14235965-image-a-57_1735558648048.jpg)
Top tips for stargazers include choosing a spot with a wide an unobstructed view of the sky, away from artificial lights such as streetlamps. You won't want to miss it – as the last black moon was back in April 2022, while the next one after tonight won't be until August 2027.
A new moon is when our natural satellite has 0 per cent illumination, so it the lunar disk is invisible to the unaided eye (file photo). The reason for a black moon, as it's commonly termed by amateur astronomers and space fans alike, is quite simple. Over 29.5 days, the moon goes from a new moon (with 0 per cent illumination as seen from Earth) to a full moon (100 per cent illumination) and back again.
