A rare 'black moon,' the second new moon in an astronomical season, will occur on August 23rd. This isn't an official astronomical term but a colloquialism for an extra new moon, happening roughly every 33 months. The invisibility of the new moon provides darker skies, ideal for stargazing and observing the Perseid meteor shower's tail end. Unlike the monthly calendar, lunar cycles don't align perfectly with astronomical seasons, creating irregular black moon appearances. A seasonal black moon, as this one is, is the third new moon in a season with four.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.