Rare 'Black Moon' to Occur on August 22–23, 2025
A rare 'Black Moon' will occur on August 22–23, 2025, offering optimal conditions for stargazing due to the absence of moonlight.
A rare lunar event known as a 'Black Moon' is set to occur on August 22–23, 2025. This phenomenon refers to the third new moon in a season that contains four new moons, an occurrence that happens approximately once every 33 months.
During a new moon, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, with its illuminated side facing away from Earth, rendering it invisible in the night sky. Consequently, the Black Moon will not be visible.
The absence of moonlight during this period provides optimal conditions for stargazing, as the dark skies enhance the visibility of celestial objects. Observers may also catch the tail end of the Perseid meteor shower, which concludes around August 24.
In the Portland area, the Black Moon will reach its new moon phase at 11:06 p.m. PDT on Friday, August 22. Given its alignment with the Sun, the moon will rise and set in conjunction with the Sun, making it imperceptible against the daylight sky.
The next occurrence of a seasonal Black Moon is expected on August 20, 2028.