A “Black Moon” is a mysterious nickname for an event that happens about once every 33 months, when an astronomical season includes four new moons instead of the usual three. This doesn’t mean there’s actually nothing to see – quite the opposite. The extra moon can make celestial objects like meteors and galaxies more visible, as it reduces light pollution caused by the moon.
Unlike a full moon, which is bright in the night sky, a Black Moon appears invisible because its face is not lit by the sun from our perspective. The sequence of lunar phases unfolds over about 29.5 days, with each cycle having a day and night side. The Black Moon’s extra new moon can be confusing, as it’s also sometimes called a Blue Moon when a calendar month has two new moons.
Astronomers see this event as an opportunity to spot faint objects in the sky that are usually hard to see due to light pollution. “For astronomers, new moons are great for being able to see faint stuff,” says Jeff Rich, an astronomy outreach coordinator for Carnegie Science.
So, what can you do? Check your local astronomy club for stargazing tips and recommendations on telescopes to get. With a clear sky, you might catch a glimpse of meteors, galaxies, or nebulas that are usually fuzzy or dim.
Source: https://mashable.com/article/black-moon-august-2025-how-to-see-it