The black moon is one of the rarest and most mysterious lunar events — and sky-watchers will get to experience it again this weekend. Unlike a blood moon or a blue moon, which put on a big, dramatic show, a black moon is invisible to the naked eye. Still, it’s a fascinating event for astronomers, astrologers, and anyone who loves gazing at the night sky.
In August, we saw the brilliant sturgeon moon, and earlier this year, some parts of the world witnessed a striking blood moon during a lunar eclipse. You might also know about a blue moon — when two full moons appear in the same month. But the black moon is different: it’s much rarer, showing up only about once every 29 months, making it a special treat for sky enthusiasts
This month’s black moon will occur late Friday night into the early hours of Saturday, with its exact alignment closest to the sun at 2:06 a.m. ET, according to EarthSky.
What Is a Black Moon?
Black moon is not an official astronomical word, but skywatchers use it to talk to a rare lunar event. The second new moon that happens in the same month is the definition that most people agree on. Most months only have one new moon because the lunar cycle lasts about 29.5 days. The black moon happens when the calendar lines up so that two new moons happen in the same month.
A blue moon is the second full moon in a month, and a blood moon is a reddish moon during a lunar eclipse. The black moon is different because it can’t be seen at all. The moon is between the Earth and the sun during a new moon phase, and the side that is lit up is facing away from us. This makes the moon impossible to see from the surface of the Earth, since it blends in with the black night sky.
A black moon can also related to a month with no new moon at all. This rare twist usually happens in February, the shortest month of the year. Since the lunar cycle runs a bit longer than February’s 28 or 29 days, the new moon phase can occasionally slip past altogether.
Why Is the Black Moon Special?
You can’t see the black moon itself, but its arrival makes for some of the best astronomy of the year. The moon is usually so brilliant that it makes the night sky shine, which makes it harder to see stars, planets, and other dim planetary objects. With no moonlight to wash it out, a black moon leaves the night sky darker and clearer than usual — a perfect backdrop for breathtaking views, whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just someone who loves gazing at the stars.
Right now is the perfect time to explore the night sky:
- Bright planets like Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
- Star clusters and even galaxies that are far, far away.
- The Milky Way’s cosmic band looks brighter when the moon isn’t in the way.
A black moon is a chance for both professional and amateur astronomers to gather data and see faint cosmic features that would be too bright to see under moonlight. For people who don’t look at the stars often, it’s an opportunity to just admire how bright the night sky is in its purest form.
Black Moon vs. Blue Moon and Blood Moon
People commonly talk about the black moon along with other well-known lunar nicknames, although each one relates to a totally distinct thing. This is how they stack up:
- A Blue moon is the second full moon that happens in one month. The moon doesn’t really turn blue, even if that’s what its name says. It’s just an extra full moon that fits into the calendar.
- A Blood Moon happens when the moon is completely dark. The moon looks reddish-orange because of the shadow that Earth casts on it, which is why it has such a dramatic name.
- Black Moon: This is the second new moon in a month, or less often, a month with no new moons. What makes the black moon unique is that the illuminated side faces away from Earth, hiding it completely from view.
You can see the blue moon and the crimson moon, but the black moon is more about the sensation of darker skies and the chance to see other celestial beings without the moon getting in the way.
Full Moons Still to Come in 2025
Although the black moon is invisible, moon enthusiasts don’t have to wait long for more eye-catching lunar events this year. The rest of 2025 will bring four spectacular full moons, several of which will also qualify as supermoons — full moons that appear larger and brighter because the moon is closer to Earth in its orbit.
Here’s the lineup of the full moons still to come:
- September 7 – Corn Moon: Traditionally linked to the harvest season in the Northern Hemisphere, this moon will be bright and golden in appearance.
- October 6 – Harvest Moon: Perhaps the most famous full moon of the year, the Harvest Moon rises around the time of the autumn equinox. This one will also be a supermoon, making it appear even more dazzling.
- November 5 – Beaver Moon: As beavers get busy preparing for winter, this full moon will light up the sky. It’s also a supermoon, meaning stargazers can look forward to an especially bright and beautiful view.
- December 4 – Cold Moon: As the chill of winter begins to settle in, the year’s last full moon will rise brightly in the sky. This supermoon will shine bigger and bolder than usual, giving 2025 a stunning send-off.
The full moons are very bright and take up most of the sky, which makes them different from the black moon. The black moon makes things dark, while the full moon makes things light. Both are perfect for anyone who loves watching the sky.
Lunar and Solar Eclipses in 2025
In addition to the black moon, 2025 will also bring some dramatic eclipse events. These celestial alignments are much more visually striking and give observers rare opportunities to experience the interplay between the Earth, moon, and sun.
- Total Lunar Eclipse – September 7–8: This eclipse will be visible across Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, eastern South America, Alaska, and Antarctica. When the Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon, it casts a shadow that makes the moon look dim — and eventually glow with a reddish tint. This is what many call a blood moon.
- Partial Solar Eclipse – September 21: Visible in parts of Australia, the Atlantic, the Pacific, and Antarctica, this event will occur when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, covering only part of the sun’s disk. The result will be a cosmic crescent shape, as if a “bite” were taken out of the sun.
Unlike the black moon, which is invisible, eclipses are events people can witness directly. However, they all highlight the intricate dance of celestial bodies in our solar system.
What to Do During the Black Moon
Want to celebrate the black moon? Enjoy the extra-dark skies — perfect for spotting stars, since the moon itself won’t be visible. Here’s how to get the most out of this unique night:
- Look for black skies: Get away from the lights of the city and the glow of the metropolis to find rural locations where the stars shine the brightest.
- Grab your stargazing gear: use binoculars or a telescope to catch a glimpse of Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, and even far-off galaxies and nebulae.
- Look for deep-sky objects: Without the moonlight, you can see deep-sky phenomena like the Dumbbell Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, or star clusters in the Milky Way.
- Give astrophotography a try: It’s great to take pictures of the night sky when the moon isn’t shining. Long-exposure photos can show colors and subtleties that the eye can’t see.
- Enjoy the quiet moment: the black moon is often viewed as a fresh start, a time to reflect and re-energize as a new lunar cycle begins.
The black moon is hard to see, yet its presence makes the universe a great place to explore.
Black Moon and Cultural or Spiritual Significance
The moon always had cultural and spiritual meaning, and the black moon is no different. Even though it doesn’t shine in the sky, many cultures see it as a good time for change and reflection.
- Astrology and spiritual practices: Many astrologers see each new moon as a fresh start — a perfect moment to set intentions, make plans, and invite positive change. A black moon is super rare — it’s when two new moons fall in the same month — and lots of people take it as the perfect moment to hit reset and focus on themselves.
- Folklore and Mythology: The dark moon has been linked to mysteries, hidden truths, and cycles of rebirth in various societies. People generally thought of it as a sign of the forces that are not visible in life.
- Modern symbolism: Today, many people see the black moon as a kind of reset button — a chance to set new goals, release negative thoughts, and begin again with a fresh perspective.
Some people consider the black moon as a deeply significant event that combines science with human imagination and belief, while others see it as a way to make the sky darker.
FAQs About the Black Moon
1. What is a black moon?
A black moon usually refers to the second new moon in a calendar month or, less commonly, a month with no new moons at all.
2. How often does a black moon occur?
On average, a black moon happens once every 29 months, making it rarer than blue moons or blood moons.
3. Can you see a black moon?
No. The black moon is invisible because it occurs during the new moon phase when the moon’s lit side faces away from Earth.
4. Why is the black moon important for stargazing?
The absence of moonlight makes the skies darker, creating the perfect conditions for viewing planets, stars, and galaxies.
5. When is the next black moon after 2025?
Black moons occur every couple of years, with the next one expected in mid-2027 depending on lunar cycles.
