Black Moon Tonight: When, Where, and How to Watch This Rare Phenomenon in India

India will witness the rare Black Moon on December 31 at 3:57 AM IST. This celestial event happens during the new moon phase, making the sky darker and perfect for astronomy enthusiasts. The next Black Moon will be visible in August 2025.

By Rahul Kumar Shukla Dec 30, 2024, 13:36 IST

With 2024 nearing its end, December 30 will bring with it a rare celestial wonder - the Black Moon. It is going to be at the new moon phase and the sky will be darker. That would be a perfect time to look at the stars.

What is a Black Moon?

The term Black Moon is not an official term but describes the second new moon in a calendar month. As opposed to the Blue Moon, the Black Moon one is imperceptible since it becomes aligned with the sun and remains unexposed by direct sunlight. It's therefore a rare time to view a complete, dark night sky in astronomy.

When and Where to Watch in India

According to the U.S. Naval Observatory, The Black Moon will peak in India on December 31 at 3:57 a.m. IST. Whereas the U.S. will catch it in the evening of December 30, Europe, Africa, and Asia, including India, will see it on December 31 in the morning.