Best stargazing events to watch this August
August is a prime month for Northern Hemisphere stargazing, with a meteor shower, a rare planet lineup, and other celestial highlights to catch.
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Now that August’s sturgeon moon has peaked, a rare black moon is on its way, set to offer prime stargazing in Michigan skies.
This month’s new moon will be a seasonal black moon, coming on Aug. 23. This happens once every 33 months or so as the third of four new moons in a season, according to Space.com. Seasons typically have three new moons.
Since new moons are invisible, August’s black moon could provide you a good opportunity to enjoy a clear look at the stars overhead, weather permitting.
Here’s what to know about the black moon.
When is the black moon in August 2025?
The black moon will occur on Aug. 23, 2025.
Will you be able to see the black moon?
No, black moons, like other new moons, are invisible.
What is a black moon?
A black moon is a rare type of new moon, Space.com says.
Why do black moons occur?
A black moon can happen under three astronomical patterns, per 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 February, January and March each have two new moons, the second of each being a black moon.Which type of black moon will occur in August 2025?
This month will see a seasonal black moon, coming as the third of four new moons this season, according to Space.com. Seasonal black moons occur once about every 33 months, a rare phenomenon, per Time and Date.
How did the black moon get its name?
The name black moon comes from the invisibility of this new moon, per the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
When is the next black moon?
The next monthly black moon will occur Aug. 31, 2027 and the next seasonal black moon Aug. 20, 2028, per Time and Date.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi:Â jprestininzi@freepress.com.