Tue Dec 31 06:11:21 UTC 2024: ## Rare Black Moon to Darken December Skies, Offering Stargazers a Prime Viewing Opportunity
**Greenbelt, MD** – A celestial treat awaits skywatchers this year: a Black Moon will grace the December night sky. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center has released a visualization highlighting the Moon’s phases in 2025, showcasing this unusual event. Occurring on December 30th, the Black Moon—defined as the second new moon in a single calendar month—will offer exceptionally dark skies ideal for astronomical observation.
During a new moon, the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, rendering its illuminated side invisible from Earth. This lack of moonlight significantly improves visibility of fainter celestial objects. Stargazers will have an unparalleled opportunity to observe distant stars, constellations, and planets including Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mercury. The new moon phase will gradually transition to the first-quarter phase by January 6th.
This rare astronomical event provides both amateur and professional astronomers with a unique chance to enhance their celestial observations.
First Piper 