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Discover the rare Black Moon phenomenon happening on December 31. Learn what it is, how it occurs, and the best time to witness it.
What Is a Black Moon?
The Black Moon is a rare astronomical event where two new moons appear in a single month. It occurs when the moon’s illuminated side faces away from Earth, making it invisible to the naked eye. Similar to a blue moon with two full moons, the Black Moon involves two new moons in one calendar month.
When and Where Can You See It?
The Black Moon will occur on December 30, 2024, at 5:27 PM ET (2227 GMT) in the United States. For India, Europe, and Asia, it will be visible on December 31 at 3:57 AM. Skywatchers can mark their calendars to experience this celestial event as they close out the year.
How Does a Black-Moon Occur?
The phenomenon happens when the sun and moon share the same celestial longitude, and the moon’s illuminated side is hidden. With a lunar cycle lasting approximately 29.5 days, two new moons can sometimes fit into a single month, giving rise to the Black Moon. It’s best observed during clear skies and is often accompanied by astronomical events like solar eclipses.
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