An astronomical phenomenon will occur over Australian skies later this month in the form of a black moon.
The term black moon can refer to two events: a second new moon in a single calendar month, or a third new moon in an astronomical season that has four new moons.
In this case, August 23 will see the third new moon between June and September.
Black moons are rare, with a second new moon in a calendar month only occurring once every 29 months, or two and a half years.
How to see the black moon above Australia
A new moon occurs when the moon is directly between the Earth and the sun.
In this time, it is not illuminated by the sun, making it appear dark to the human eye, and ‘new’.
This does mean Aussies wishing to see the rare phenomenon will be disappointed, as it won’t be visible to the naked eye.
This is because the moon’s unlit face is pointing towards Earth.
According to Weatherzone, the only difference eagle-eyed Australians would be able to notice would be the unlit moon blocking a few stars and causing them to briefly disappear, but they also point out it would require “good viewing conditions”./
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