Black Moon Rising On August 23: Why You Won’t Be Able To See It
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A rare celestial event is set to occur this weekend, but you won’t actually see it. A seasonal black moon, which happens roughly once every 33 months, will rise on August 23. While the phenomenon itself will remain invisible, it will give skywatchers a fantastic chance to witness the Dumbbell Nebula (M27), according to Space.com and NPR.
Why the black moon won’t be visible
The black moon will rise at 2:06 am EDT on Saturday, August 23, as reported by Space.com. At this time, the moon will be positioned directly between the Earth and the Sun. The side of the moon that is illuminated will be facing the Sun, while its dark side will be facing Earth. This alignment makes the moon invisible to the naked eye.
However, the darker skies created by this event will allow astronomers and enthusiasts to clearly spot the Dumbbell Nebula, located 1,200 light-years away in the constellation Vulpecula, positioned between the stars Altair and Deneb.
What does ‘black moon’ mean?
The term ‘black moon’ is not an official astronomical designation but is widely used in popular astronomy. According to BBC Countryfile, it refers to:
Since each season usually lasts around three months and typically has three new moons, a fourth one is labelled a black moon.
When will the black moon rise?
The black moon will rise at 2:06 am EDT on Saturday, August 23.
What is the Dumbbell Nebula (M27)?
It is a planetary nebula in the constellation Vulpecula, about 1,200 light-years away.
Why won’t the black moon be visible?
Because its illuminated side faces the Sun, leaving the dark side facing Earth.
When is the next black moon?
The next black moon is expected on August 31, 2027.
What does a black moon signify?
It commonly refers to the second new moon in one month or an extra new moon in a single season.
Why the black moon won’t be visible
The black moon will rise at 2:06 am EDT on Saturday, August 23, as reported by Space.com. At this time, the moon will be positioned directly between the Earth and the Sun. The side of the moon that is illuminated will be facing the Sun, while its dark side will be facing Earth. This alignment makes the moon invisible to the naked eye.
However, the darker skies created by this event will allow astronomers and enthusiasts to clearly spot the Dumbbell Nebula, located 1,200 light-years away in the constellation Vulpecula, positioned between the stars Altair and Deneb.
What does ‘black moon’ mean?
The term ‘black moon’ is not an official astronomical designation but is widely used in popular astronomy. According to BBC Countryfile, it refers to:
- The second new moon in a single calendar month, or
- An extra new moon within a single season.
Since each season usually lasts around three months and typically has three new moons, a fourth one is labelled a black moon.
FAQs about the black moon
When will the black moon rise?
The black moon will rise at 2:06 am EDT on Saturday, August 23.
What is the Dumbbell Nebula (M27)?
It is a planetary nebula in the constellation Vulpecula, about 1,200 light-years away.
Why won’t the black moon be visible?
Because its illuminated side faces the Sun, leaving the dark side facing Earth.
When is the next black moon?
The next black moon is expected on August 31, 2027.
What does a black moon signify?
It commonly refers to the second new moon in one month or an extra new moon in a single season.
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