Orion and stars rising over a forest captured on a mountain. On Nov. 30, 2024, a black moon will … More
What is a “black moon?” On Nov. 30, 2024, a black moon will occur only for those in the western time zones of the U.S. and Canada, according to Timeanddate. However, the rest of the world — including North America’s central and eastern timezones — will get their own black moon a month later.
Here’s everything you need to know about November and December’s black moon events:
What Is A ‘Black Moon?’
A black moon is a quirk of the calendar. However, there are several definitions. When there is no new moon in a month — only possible in February — it can be called a black moon. The same name is given by astronomers to the third of four new moons in the exact astronomical season.
However, a black moon is typically and most commonly applied to the second of two new moons in the same month. It’s rare but inevitable because there’s a new moon every 29.5 days. So if there’s a new moon on the first day or two of a month, there’s a good chance that there will be another at the end of the month — a black moon.
Which U.S States Will Have A ‘Black Moon’
Only those U.S. states in Mountain Standard Time, Pacific Standard Time, Alaska Standard Time and Hawaiian Standard Time will get a black moon this month.
- Mountain Standard Time (Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Arizona): A new moon at 05:47 a.m. on Nov. 1 will be followed by another at 11:21 p.m. on Nov. 30.
- Pacific Standard Time (California, Oregon, part of Nevada, Washington and Idaho): A new moon at 04:47 a.m. on Nov. 1 will be followed by another at 10:21 p.m. on Nov. 30.
- Alaska Standard Time (Alaska): A new moon at 03:47 a.m. on Nov. 1 will be followed by another at 9:21 p.m. on Nov. 30.
- Hawaiian Standard Time (Hawaii): A new moon at 02:47 a.m. on Nov. 1 will be followed by another at 8:21 p.m. on Nov. 30.
In Central Standard Time and Eastern Standard Time, the new moon occurs at 00:21 a.m. and 01:21 a.m., respectively, on Dec. 1.
Why To Go Stargazing On A ‘Black Moon’
Although a black moon is not a visual astronomical event, it is an excellent night for stargazers after the best views of stars and deep-sky objects. That’s because, by definition, a black moon is a new moon when our natural satellite is roughly between Earth and the sun. With it lost in the sun’s glare, it’s not around to bleach the sky with moonlight at night. That leaves the night sky as dark as possible for as long as possible. If skies are clear, consider getting away from light pollution to a Dark Sky Park or a Dark Sky Discovery Site.
What Is A New Moon?
A new moon occurs when the moon is roughly between the Earth and the sun, so it’s lost in our star’s glare from our point of view. The new moon’s position means that sometimes a new moon can cause a solar eclipse. That will happen twice in 2025, with partial eclipses on Mar. 29 and Sept. 21.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
