‘Black Moon’ To Mark End Of 2024, Here’s How To Experience The Rare Celestial Event – News18

Last Updated:December 30, 2024, 08:09 IST

A ‘Black Moon’ is a rare phenomenon that occurs when a second new moon appears within a single calendar month.

Good News For All Stargazers! The skywatchers will have the opportunity to end the year 2024 by witnessing a rare celestial event known as the ‘black moon’.

According to the US Naval Observatory, the rare phenomenon will occur on December 30 at 5:27 pm ET (2227 GMT). The rare sky event will happen in America on December 30, while people in Europe, Africa, and Asia can witness the astronomical event on December 31.

In India, people can experience the rare ‘black moon’ phenomenon around 3:57 am on December 31, according to the US-based agency. It is an occurrence that is not officially recognised in astronomy but over the years, has gained popularity among amateur astronomers and stargazers.

What Is ‘Black Moon’

A ‘Black Moon’ is a rare phenomenon that occurs when a second new moon appears within a single calendar month. Though not an official astronomical term, it is popularly used to describe this event, much like the term ‘blue moon’ refers to the second full moon in a month.

During this phase, the moon becomes invisible from Earth, just like any new moon. However, the Black Moon stands out for its rarity, as it happens only occasionally, marking two new moons in one month.

A new moon occurs when the sun and the moon align at the same celestial longitude, with the moon’s illuminated side facing away from Earth, rendering it invisible to the naked eye.

Since the lunar cycle averages about 29.5 days, occasionally, a single month can host two new moons, giving rise to the phenomenon known as a “Black Moon.” This is akin to a “Blue Moon,” which happens when a month has two full moons. Notably, during the new moon phase, the moon remains invisible unless a solar eclipse coincides with it.

What Stargazers Can Expect

Although the Black Moon itself remains invisible, its effect on the night sky is remarkable. The absence of moonlight creates ideal conditions for stargazing, allowing clearer views of stars, planets, and even distant galaxies.

With the help of binoculars or a telescope, you can observe celestial wonders like Jupiter, visible throughout the night, and Venus, shining brightly in the evening sky.

For people living in the Northern Hemisphere, the constellations Orion, Taurus, and Leo will be prominent in the night sky. Additionally, Orion’s belt will be an excellent guide, with Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, shining to its south.

Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, stargazers can look forward to spotting the Southern Cross (Crux) and Canopus, the second-brightest star in the night sky, located in the constellation Carina.