TORONTO (The Camping Canuck) – Friday, Sept. 30 at 8:11 p.m. ET a rare occurrence took place: something some called a “black moon.”
According to NASA, a black moon is the second new moon in a calendar month. A new moon is the start of the lunar cycle and the phase where the moon is impossible to see because it’s completely shrouded in darkness.
The last black moon was in March 2014 and the next one after this year’s is expected in 2019.
Other Definitions of Black Moon
The term Black Moon has several definitions. Although it is most commonly used to describet he second new moon in a calendar month, It may refer to one of the new or dark moons in an astronomical season having four New Moons.
The term could also refer to a calendar month without a New Moon, which can only occur in February. When this happens January and March will have two New Moons instead of having the usual one New Moon. A calendar month without a full moon may also be referred to as Black Moon. The phenomenon by this definition is expected to happen in February 2018.
The term black moon is not actually well-known in the field of world of astronomy but it was made popular in recent years by astrologers and those who follow the Wicca religion. Some believe that certain actions become more potent when they are done on the night of a Black Moon.
The term “black moon” contrasts with “blue moon,” which is the second full moon in a calendar month.