Black Moon August 22–23, 2025 — FAQs
Q1) What is the “Black Moon” on August 22–23, 2025?
It is the new moon that is the third new moon in a season that has four. This special case is called a seasonal Black Moon. The exact new-moon time is 06:06 UTC on August 23, 2025.
Q2) Why do some places say August 22 and others say August 23?
Because of time zones. The new-moon moment is fixed at 06:06 UTC. In the Americas it is still late on August 22, while in most other parts of the world it is already August 23.
Q3) What time is it in India?
In India (IST, UTC+5:30), the Black Moon occurs at 11:36 am on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Q4) Can I see the Black Moon?
No. A new moon is invisible because its sunlit side faces away from Earth. You can only see a new moon during a solar eclipse, and no eclipse happens on this date.
Q5) What makes it “black”?
The Moon will not turn black. “Black Moon” is just a nickname for an extra new moon, similar to how a “Blue Moon” is an extra full moon.
Q6) How often does a seasonal Black Moon happen?
Seasonal Black Moons occur about once every 33 months (almost three years).
Q7) What type is the 2025 Black Moon? Are there other types?
This is a seasonal Black Moon (third new moon in a season of four). Another type is a monthly Black Moon (second new moon in a calendar month).
Q8) Why does summer 2025 have four new moons?
Astronomical summer 2025 runs from June 21 to September 22. Within this time there are four new moons — June 25, July 24, August 23, and September 21. That makes August 23 the “Black Moon.”
Q9) Is it rare?
It is uncommon but not extremely rare. Seasonal Black Moons appear roughly every 33 months, while monthly Black Moons appear about every 29 months.
Q10) Does the Black Moon affect tides?
Yes, like any new moon it creates spring tides, which are higher high tides and lower low tides. These happen twice a month at new and full moons.
Q11) What can I do on Black Moon night if I can’t see the Moon?
You can enjoy very dark skies. With no moonlight, faint stars and the Milky Way are more visible. The Perseid meteor shower is also fading at this time, so a few meteors may still be seen.
Q12) When is the next Black Moon after this one?
The next seasonal Black Moon is on August 20, 2028. The next monthly Black Moon is on August 31, 2027.
Q13) How is a Black Moon different from a Blue Moon?
A Black Moon refers to an extra new moon, while a Blue Moon refers to an extra full moon. Both are calendar names and do not change the Moon’s color.
Q14) Any safety tips?
Never look directly at or near the Sun without proper solar filters. Since there is no eclipse during this Black Moon, there is nothing near the Sun to watch.
Q15) Quick stargazing tips for August 22–23 (local time):
Find a dark, open place away from city lights, check the weather, allow your eyes 20 minutes to adjust, use a red-light torch, and if taking photos use wide-angle, 5–15 second exposures with low ISO noise.
Comments
Post a Comment