Charlotte is set to experience a rare celestial event on December 30, 2024, with the appearance of a “black moon.”
Occurring at 5:27 p.m. ET, this marks the second new moon in a single calendar month, a phenomenon akin to the “blue moon,” which represents two full moons in a month, according to Space.com.
A new moon is the “invisible phase” when its illuminated side faces the sun, leaving the dark side toward Earth. This phase begins the 29.5-day lunar cycle, which progresses through eight phases: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent. The black moon adds an extra layer of intrigue to this natural cycle.
This past weekend, on December 28, a conjunction between the crescent moon and Mercury occurred at 11:24 p.m. ET. While this event wasn’t visible from Charlotte, viewers in locations like Cairo enjoyed the alignment with Mercury and the moon appearing near the eastern horizon. In New York, early risers had the chance to spot both celestial bodies shortly before sunrise.
The black moon offers a rare but subtle skywatching moment, serving as a fitting finale to 2024’s celestial calendar. Although the moon itself will not be visible, the event invites reflection on the intricate cycles of the natural world and provides a unique opportunity for stargazing enthusiasts to appreciate the marvels of the night sky.
