A rare Seasonal Black Moon is set to occur this weekend — but here’s the catch: you won’t actually see it.
At 2:06 am EDT on Saturday, August 23 (11:36 am IST), the moon will move between the Earth and the Sun, turning its illuminated side completely away from us. This phenomenon makes the lunar surface invisible from Earth.
What makes it a “Black Moon”?
The term “Black Moon” is not an official astronomical term, but it describes rare lunar events. This one qualifies because it is the third new moon in a season that has four new moons — a phenomenon that happens only once every 33 months.
Why it matters for stargazers
While the moon itself won’t put on a show, the darkened sky will become a playground for cosmic lovers. With no lunar light washing over the heavens, the Milky Way will shine brighter than usual, offering spectacular views of star clusters, nebulae, and faint celestial objects.
Astrophysicist Jonathan Blazek explains: “A ‘black moon’ is simply a quirk of the calendar cycle — but its beauty lies in what it allows us to see.”
What to watch for
The Milky Way’s arc across the Summer Triangle (Vega, Deneb, Altair)
Deep-sky wonders like the Dumbbell Nebula (M27), located 1,200 light years away
A chance to experience the clearest starry night of the season if you escape city lights
So while the Black Moon remains invisible, the night sky itself will put on a breathtaking performance.
