Pakistan set to witness rare ‘black moon’ tonight

ISLAMABAD: A rare astronomical event, called the ‘black moon,’ will occur on the night of December 30 and 31 around the world, providing a captivating experience for skywatchers around the world.

This unique phenomenon happens when a second new moon appears within a single calendar month. It promises the darkest skies of the year due to the invisibility of the moon.

The unusual occurrence comes during the new moon phase when the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, leaving its illuminated side hidden from view.

The term ‘black moon’ is not officially recognized in astronomy (and has nothing to do with colour) but has gained popularity over the years among astronomers and stargazers.

It is quite similar to ‘blue moon,’ which is a term for the second full moon in a month.

Timing of the Black Moon

The Black Moon will reach its peak on December 30, 2024, at 5:27 p.m. ET and will be observable on December 30 in the Americas.

The stargazers in Europe, Africa, and Asia will experience the rare celestial event on December 31, 2024.

In Pakistan, people can watch the ‘Black Moon” around 3:27 am on December 31 (Tuesday) while it will be visible in India at around 3.57 am tonight.

In addition to the Black Moon, skywatchers can enjoy the best planetary viewing of the year. With the moon absent from the sky, planets like Jupiter, Venus, and Mars will be more visible.

This darker atmosphere also provides optimal conditions for meteor showers, such as the Quadrantid meteor shower, which will peak just days after the Black Moon on January 2-3, 2025.