Dark Sky Over Austria: This Is What the "Black Moon" Brings

The new moon takes place on August 23 at 08:06 AM CEST in Austria and is – like every new moon – invisible because the unlit side of the moon faces the Earth. Astronomically, the moment falls worldwide at 06:06 UTC.

What does "Black Moon" mean?

The term "Black Moon" is not an official technical term but is used to describe unusual new moon configurations. In this case, it is the third new moon within a season that unusually includes four new moons – a rare phenomenon that occurs approximately every 33 months.

The astronomical summer of 2025 began with the new moon on June 25, followed by further new moons on July 24, August 23, and September 21. Since this summer thus includes four new moons, the third – the one on August 23 – falls under the definition of a "Black Moon."

What can be observed?

The "Black Moon" itself remains invisible. But this is precisely what makes this phase so attractive for stargazers: The dark sky offers ideal conditions for the observation of faint celestial objects such as the Milky Way, star clusters, and nebulae. On August 24 and 25, the first delicate crescent of the young moon can also be seen shortly after sunset low on the western horizon.

Without disturbing moonlight, the contrast in the night sky increases significantly. Those who venture into dark areas away from city lights can discover impressive details of the summer constellations. A simple pair of binoculars is often sufficient, while a small telescope offers additional deep views into space.

What's next?

The next comparable occurrence – two new moons in a calendar month – will take place on August 31, 2027. Another seasonal "Black Moon" will follow on August 20, 2028. Before that, a total lunar eclipse on September 7, 2025 is another astronomical highlight to look forward to.

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.