NASA ordered to develop nuclear power plant for moon by 2030s
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A rare black moon is set to occur this week, though night sky observers will not be able to see it.
The astral phenomenon is set to leave a moon-sized dark spot in the heavenly panorama on the night of Saturday, Aug. 23.
Friday’s black moon is considered a “seasonal” version of the event as it will be the third new moon in a season that has four – according to Space.com. Normally a season has three new moons but since the lunar cycle does not exactly align a fourth one occurs about every 33 months.
There is nothing to see from the moon itself during a black moon as with all new moons the sunlit side faces away from Earth. However, that may provide a black canvas for space watchers to find stars and planets – weather permitting.
Here’s what to know about the black moon.
Why do black moons occur?
A black moon can happen under three astronomical patterns, according to Space.com and the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
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 January, February and March, each has two new moons, making the second of each a black moon.When was the last black moon?
The last seasonal Black Moon occurred on May 19, 2023, according to Space.com.
When is the next black moon?
The next black moon will occur on Aug. 31, 2027, but that will be a “monthly” black moon where two new moons occur in one calendar month, according to Space.com.
What was the last notable moon phenomenon?
August’s full moon was known as the Sturgeon Moon, named after the fish.
It peaked in the early morning hours of Aug. 9.