Rare Black Moon and Meteor Shower Tonight

Skygazers are in for a few treats tonight even though some of you are now likely humming CCR to yourself as you read this.

For most of us, we won’t be able to even see the current phase because it’s currently just coming off of it’s height of being a new moon. Think smaller than the tiniest thumbnail, which is slightly disappointing considering is a Black Moon and that is a pretty rare nighttime find.

Whoa, a Black Moon?! I know you’re intrigued.

The third new moon in a season with four new moons is deemed a “Black Moon”. During a Black Moon, the illumined side faces away from Earth, so we are truly looking at the Dark Side of the Moon. Pretty cool, huh?

The next seasonal Black Moon isn’t coming around until 2023, so there will be a wait for the next one.

While the Black Moon isn’t visable from Earth, we are able to lay our eyes on a meteor shower tonight, too, so at least there’s that. The Kappa Cygnids will be on display in the Draco constellation. Look for it around 10 p.m. local time in a dark sky location.

Happy skygazing, everyone!