A rare lunar phenomenon known as a ‘black moon’ is due to occur tonight – giving stargazers a unique view of the night sky.
This unusual astronomical event, which occurs only once every 29 months, has fascinated people for centuries.
The dark moon is the second new moon within the calendar month – the first part of the moon when the side of the moon’s shadow is pointing towards us.
Because the moon is new, the dark moon is not visible, even with a telescope.
But it should provide the best stargazing opportunities after sunset and in the wee hours of Tuesday.
The moon will be conspicuous for its absence in the night sky, as if it has been wiped out by the gods, while the stars and planets will appear very bright.
Top tips for stargazers include choosing a location with a steady view of the sky, away from artificial lights such as streetlamps.
You don’t want to miss it – as the last black moon came in April 2022, while the next one tonight won’t be until August 2027.
A new moon is when our natural satellite has 0 percent illumination, so the moon is not visible to the naked eye (file photo)
The reason for the dark moon, as astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts call it, is simple.
Over 29.5 days, the moon goes from new moon (with 0 percent illumination as seen from Earth) to full moon (100 percent illumination) and back again.
Because a lunar month (29.5 days) is shorter than a year’s months, there are sometimes two new moons in a month instead of just one.
When this happens, people call the second new moon of the black moon – an event some astrologers say they have spiritual significance.
However, beyond the fact that it’s a new moon, scientists don’t like to see a black moon as a meaningful event.
‘The black moon is only the second new moon that occurs in one calendar month,’ said Walter Freeman, associate professor of physics at Syracuse University.
‘If a new moon occurs near the beginning of a calendar month, then the new moon will occur before its end.
‘This is no different from any new moon from a scientific point of view.’
Over the course of 29.5 days, we see a new moon (with 0 percent light), a waxing moon (when the moon’s light is increasing), a full moon (100 percent light) and then a waning moon. the moon (when its visible range is narrowing)
The images show the new moon, rising moon, full moon and waxing moon as they appear over a period of 29.5 days.
The new moon of this month occurred on December 1, while the second month of December (the dark month) is December 30.
It should take place on December 30 at 22:27 GMT (17:27 EDT), according to the US Naval Observatory.
This shows the exact astronomical time when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, while the side of the moon in shadow faces the Earth.
According to Professor Freeman, ‘nothing is true’ about the moon itself, but the lack of moonlight makes for a perfect spot for stargazing, making it easy to see constellations such as Orion, Taurus and Leo. .
It will also be easier to see planets like Venus – the brightest object in the sky with a bright yellow color.
Mars should also be visible, looking like a red dot, near the constellation of Cancer the crab.
People don’t need telescopes to see the planets, which can be seen clearly in a clear sky.
In the starry sky, planets can be distinguished by their obscurity.
Tonight, the lack of moonlight due to the new moon creates perfect conditions for stargazing. Mars should also be visible, appearing as a red dot, near the constellation of Cancer the crab (left).
The stars twinkle, while the planets usually shine continuously.
To see clearly, try to find somewhere away from sources of light such as street lights and give your eyes enough time to adjust to the dark.
However, the Met Office is warning of ‘cloudy weather’ tonight which could affect visibility.
In London and the south-east, tonight’s minimum temperature will be 44.6°F (7°C), so it’s a good chance to gaze at the sky without getting too cold.
If you miss a black moon, you will be able to see a ‘blue moon’ (the second full moon in a calendar month) although it won’t arrive until 2026.
Similarly, rare astronomical events occur about every two to three years – hence the term ‘once in a blue moon’.
While the next black moon will not occur until August 2027, the next full moon will be in May 2026.
Meanwhile, there will be two ‘supermoons’ in 2025 – when the full moon appears bigger and brighter than usual.
According to the Royal Museums Greenwich, the moon will arrive between November 5 and December 4, 2025.
