Black Moon in May 2023: Here’s everything you may need to know

The term "Black Moon" lacks official recognition in the field of astronomy, but it holds two commonly used definitions. As per Time and Date, the first definition refers to the occurrence of a second new moon within a single calendar month. The second definition encompasses the occurrence of the third new moon within a season that includes four new moons.

In contrast to a full moon, which illuminates the moon's Earth-facing side entirely with sunlight, a new moon represents the phase when the moon's Earth-facing side is fully shadowed. Unfortunately, this means that the Black Moon will be mostly invisible, as it lacks significant illumination.

Black Moon 2023: When is it?

The Black Moon in 2023 will occur on May 19.

It is to note that Earth did not even record many Black Moons in 2021 as it is comparatively a rare occurrence. According to the seasonal definition of the term, the Black Moon for this year will take place on May 19, 2023. On the other hand, the next occurrence of the Black Moon, based on the definition of the second new moon in a calendar month, is set to happen on December 30, 2024.

Due to the close alignment between the lunar calendar and Earth's calendar year, it is customary to observe one full moon and one new moon per month. A phenomenon known as a "Blue Moon" occurs when there are two full moons in a single calendar month. Conversely, a Black Moon is the counterpart to a Blue Moon, representing the occurrence of the second new moon within a month. According to Time and Date, these Black Moons happen approximately every 29 months and are the most frequently observed type of Black Moon.

Alternatively, the second definition of a Black Moon refers to an additional full moon within a season. Since Earth's seasons are generally around three months long, they usually consist of three new moons. However, when a season encompasses four new moons, the third new moon is termed a Black Moon. As per Time and Date, these seasonal Black Moons occur approximately every 33 months.

FAQs:

1. When is Black Moon in 2023?
   May 19, 2023
2. When will be the next Black Moon after 2023?
   December 30, 2024.