What time is the Black Moon in California?

Black Moon Rising? What It Really Means for California Skywatchers

Ever heard of a Black Moon? It sounds pretty dramatic, right? Like some kind of cosmic event where the moon turns completely dark. Well, the truth is a little less sensational, but still pretty interesting. Forget any images of a dark disc – we’re diving into the slightly quirky world of lunar terminology. You see, unlike the official moon phases astronomers use, “Black Moon” is more of a nickname, not an official astronomical term. Essentially, it’s all about the New Moon, when the moon sits between the Earth and the sun, hiding its illuminated face from us.

So, What’s the Deal with “Black Moon” Anyway?

Okay, here’s where it gets a bit fun. A Black Moon most commonly means the second New Moon in a single month. Think about it: the lunar cycle is about 29.5 days, a tad shorter than most months. That means, every couple of years or so (roughly 29 months), we get a double dose of New Moon goodness.

But wait, there’s more! A Black Moon can also be the third New Moon in a season that has four New Moons. Now, seasons usually have three New Moons, so this four-New-Moon thing is a bit rarer, happening every 33 months or so.

And, just to keep things interesting, some people use “Black Moon” to describe a month – usually good old February – that completely misses having a New Moon. Talk about rare! That only happens about every 19 years. And, though it’s less common, it can also refer to a month without a Full Moon.

When Can Californians Catch the Next “Invisible” Black Moon?

Alright, California dreamers, mark your calendars! If we’re talking about the third New Moon in a four-New-Moon season, then the next Black Moon is coming on August 22, 2025.

Want to be super precise? In Los Angeles, that New Moon will be happening around 12:11 p.m. PDT on July 24, 2025.

Why Bother? You Can’t Even See It!

Exactly! That’s the funny part. Because Black Moons are New Moons, they’re totally invisible. The sun’s shining on the other side, leaving our view in complete darkness.

Embrace the Dark Side (of the Moon)

So, why even care about something you can’t see? Well, even though you can’t see it, a Black Moon can still be meaningful. Some folks who are into astrology see it as a super-charged New Moon, a powerful time to think about what you want and make a fresh start. Plus, a super-dark night sky is perfect for stargazing. All those faint stars and galaxies get a chance to shine!

So, next time someone mentions a Black Moon, you’ll know the real story. It’s not about a dark moon in the sky, but about understanding the rhythms of the lunar cycle and maybe, just maybe, using that knowledge to set some new intentions under a starlit California sky.