A rare lunar phase is happening this week; the black moon is rising. Here’s when and what to know about the August new moon 2025.
The new moon marks the begining of a lunar cycle and occurs montly, or every 29.5 days, similar to the full moon, which is the time it takes to orbit earth. However, a rare phenomenon known as the black moon only happens once every 29 months.
Unlike the bright glow of a full moon that we see illuminated by the sun, a new moon is actually the opposite, in that we see the other side that is not illuminated by the sun, and so, a new moon is completely dark.
When is the next new moon?
The next new moon, known as the black moon, will occur on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 at 2:06 a.m. ET.
What is a black moon?
The 2025 August new moon is known as a black moon because it will be the third new moon in a season of four new moons. Unlike a typical three-month season that has three new moons, there is an occasional season where there are 4 new moons.
While the third new moon in a rare season of four moons is referred to as a black moon, it isn’t its only definition.
A black moon also occurs when there are two new moons in a calendar month, similar to a blue moon which happens where there are two full moons in a month.
The black moon also happens when there are no new moons in a month, which can only happen in February (28 days) because it’s shorter than the lunar month of 29.5 days. In this even more rare case, when there is no new moon in February, it means January and March will have two new moons. This occurrence happens approximately every 19 years and the next one will be in 2033.
How to see the August black moon?
Just like new moons, black moons are invisible because it is the dark side of the moon that is facing us. There is no reflection of any of the sun’s light because the moon is lined up between the earth and sun, according to Farmer’s Almanac, and only the far side of the moon is illuminated, which can’t be seen from Earth.
One positive note during no moonlight in the sky, is that the stars will be the only thing shining and appear brighter. A day or two later after the new moon, the slim crescent moon will appear in the west after sunset.
What are the moon phases for August 2025?
🌓 First Quarter: Aug. 1🌕 Full Moon: Aug. 9🌗 Last Quarter: Aug. 16🌑 New Moon: Aug. 23🌓 First Quarter: Aug. 31
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon in September will be the harvest moon. It will occur on Sept. 7, 2025