Overview

• A seasonal Black Moon marks the third new moon in an astronomical season that contains four new moons.
• On August 23, the Moon will align between Earth and the Sun, rendering it invisible and darkening the night sky.
• The lack of moonlight will create ideal conditions for spotting meteors during the peak of the Perseid shower and for observing deep-sky objects.
• Australian sky-watchers may see the Moon’s unlit silhouette briefly occluding background stars under optimal conditions.
• Seasonal Black Moons occur roughly every 33 months, and astronomers do not expect another until 2027.