Just about a couple of days before 2024 ends, sky watchers will be treated to an astronomical phenomenon known as the black moon. The term black moon means the occurrence of a second new moon within a single calendar month, Although not officially recognized in astronomy, still the term has made its way to the popularity among astronomers and stargazers alike. The phenomenon shall take place on December 30, 5:27 PM ET (2227 GMT), according to the US Naval Observatory.
For those in the United States, the black moon will be visible on December 30, while viewers in Europe, Africa, and Asia will experience it on December 31. In India, the black moon can be observed around 3:57 am on December 31.
What exactly is a black moon, and how does it occur?
A new moon happens when the sun and the moon line up in the sky, making the lit side of the moon face away from Earth. This makes the moon invisible to us. Because the lunar cycle is about 29.5 days, sometimes a month can have two new moons. When this happens, it’s called a black moon. It’s similar to a blue moon, which happens when there are two full moons in one month. Remember, during a new moon, we can’t see the moon unless there’s a solar eclipse.
What does the Black Moon look like?
You won’t be able to see the black moon itself, but it makes the night sky darker. This extra darkness helps you see stars, planets, and even distant galaxies more clearly. If you use binoculars or a telescope, one can get an even better view, especially of planets like Jupiter, which will be visible all night, and Venus, which will be bright in the evening sky.
In the Northern Hemisphere, prominent constellations such as Orion, Taurus, and Leo will be visible. Orion’s belt is an excellent guide, with Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, shining to its south. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, the Southern Cross (Crux) will be visible, along with Canopus, a prominent in the constellation Carina.
