Rare Black Moon and Celestial Events to Light Up the Sky on December 30, 2024
A rare "black moon" will occur on December 30, 2024, marking the second new
moon of the month. This event will happen at 5:27 p.m. ET (2227 GMT), two
days after the waning moon passes by Mercury in the predawn sky.
A "black moon" refers to the second new moon in a calendar month, much like how two full moons in a month are called a "blue moon." Though neither term is an official astronomical designation, they are commonly used.
New moons occur when the moon and the sun align, both sharing the same celestial longitude. During this phase, the illuminated side of the moon faces away from Earth, making it invisible to us. However, solar eclipses are the rare occasions when new moons can be seen from Earth.
For astronomers, the absence of a bright moon during a new moon provides a great opportunity to observe fainter objects in the night sky. This is especially true during the winter months in much of North America, where the clear, dry air improves visibility.
The moon will be in conjunction with Mercury on December 28 at 11:24 p.m. Eastern Time. During this event, the two will appear about 6 degrees apart in the sky. Though it won't be visible from the U.S., viewers in cities like Cairo and Cape Town can catch a glimpse of the conjunction.
On the night of the new moon, December 31, Mercury will be visible just before sunrise. Venus and Saturn will be in the southwestern sky during the evening, while Jupiter and Mars will be visible in the eastern sky.
For Southern Hemisphere observers, the long summer nights will provide great views of constellations like Orion and the Winter Triangle. Stars like Sirius, Procyon, and Betelgeuse, along with the planets Venus and Saturn, will be prominent in the night sky.
No Comment to " Rare Black Moon and Celestial Events to Light Up the Sky on December 30, 2024 "