Lunar Wonders: Tonight’s Black Moon and the Anticipated Wolf Moon Ahead!

As the upcoming full moon approaches, a more uncommon new moon will illuminate tonight’s sky, signaling the end of 2024 — the black moon.

This evening’s black moon is a unique celestial event that takes place approximately every 29 months or more. The previous occurrence was in August 2022, and the next will not appear until May 2026.

While the black moon will be imperceptible, it presents excellent conditions for stargazing as planets like Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, along with galaxies and nebulae will shine more brightly against the darker backdrop.

Here’s all you should be aware of regarding the black moon of 2024 and the next full moon of 2025.

What is a black moon?

A black moon indicates the presence of two new moons in a single month.

The lunar cycle for a new moon lasts about 29.5 days, meaning that very occasionally, it can occur twice within one month. Thus, the black moon represents the extra new moon in a series.

Astrophysicists identify the third of four new moons in a season as a seasonal black moon. Additionally, when there is no new moon in February — occurring roughly every 20 years — it results in black moons in January and March.

When to observe the black moon 2024?

The black moon of 2024 will rise on December 30 at 5:27 p.m. ET.

How to observe a black moon

Here’s the reality about witnessing a black moon: there’s nothing visible.

New moons arise when the moon is situated between the Earth and the sun, meaning its shadowed portion faces us, resulting in a night devoid of moonlight.

Nonetheless, it creates opportunities for celestial observation. In the absence of moonlight, faint celestial objects such as constellations and star clusters will show up brighter and more visible.

Provided there are no storms, planets like Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will radiate brightly in the sky during black moons.

We can expect a seasonal black moon in August, and the next monthly black moon is set for August 2027.

When is the subsequent full moon?

The following full moon will be known as the wolf moon. It will also be the inaugural full moon of 2025, occurring on January 13.

What phase of the lunar cycle is the moon currently in?

The moon is presently in its waning crescent phase, with 11% illumination, according to Space.com. The lunar phases in January 2025 include:

• New Moon: December 31
• First Quarter: January 6
• Full Moon: January 13
• Last Quarter: January 21
• New Moon: January 29