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Just a few weeks after twin meteor showers dazzled skywatchers, another unusual astronomical phenomenon is set to occur — a Black Moon.

On the night of August 23, 2025, the moon will pass through its new moon phase, rendering it invisible to the naked eye. While it may not be as eye-catching as a supermoon or lunar eclipse, this rare event is exciting for astronomers and stargazers alike.

What Is a Black Moon?

According to Space.com, the term "Black Moon" is not an official astronomical designation, but rather a name used to describe the timing of new moon phases. Typically, each season has three new moons, but when a fourth one occurs, the third is labeled a Black Moon.

Weather Network meteorologist Scott Sutherland explains: “A Black Moon happens due to the gap between the lunar cycle and the average length of the calendar month.” Because the lunar cycle is roughly 29.5 days, it doesn’t line up perfectly with our calendar. This misalignment occasionally produces an “extra” new moon in a season.

The August 23 Black Moon is considered seasonal, being the third of four new moons in summer 2025. The last seasonal Black Moon occurred on May 19, 2023, and the next won’t happen again for nearly three years.

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When to Expect the Black Moon

At exactly 2:06 a.m. EDT (06:06 GMT) on August 23 — or 11:06 p.m. PDT on August 22 — the moon will align in the constellation Leo, positioned just one degree north of the sun. Since the moon’s sunlit side will be turned away from Earth, it will be completely invisible.

Unlike a supermoon or lunar eclipse, a Black Moon isn’t a visible spectacle. Instead, its main effect is to create the darkest skies of the lunar cycle, making it the best opportunity for stargazing and observing the Milky Way.

Why the Black Moon Matters

For those who feel underwhelmed by an “invisible” moon, the nights immediately following the Black Moon will offer a reward. On August 24 and 25, a thin silver crescent will reappear on the western horizon about 30–40 minutes after sunset. This delicate sight marks the moon’s return after its brief disappearance.

Astronomers recommend using this time to observe fainter celestial objects. As Space.com notes, “The dark moonless skies surrounding a new moon are also perfect for observing fainter deep sky objects that would otherwise be very difficult and sometimes impossible to see.”

While the term may sound ominous, the Black Moon is simply a quirk of lunar timing. Seasonal Black Moons occur about once every 33 months, while the alternative definition — a second new moon in a single calendar month — won’t happen again until August 31, 2027.

As one astronomer put it, “The Black Moon reminds us that our calendar doesn’t fully match the rhythms of the cosmos. It’s rare events like these that help us appreciate the precision and beauty of our universe.”

Related Links

• Space.com on the Black Moon
• NASA – Blue Moons Explained
• The Weather Network – Black Moon Overview