Black Moon 2016: What, Where, and When to See It?

September is host to a number of lunar events. Right after the harvest moon, another event is set to happen this month. This is none other than the Black Moon, which is an unusual lunar event not usually spotted by the naked eye.

First off, the Black Moon is when the second new moon happens in a single month. Typically, there is only one full moon and one new moon in a month. What's the difference between a full moon and a new moon? While a full moon happens when the earth-facing side of the moon is illuminated by the sun, the new moon on the other hand is when the earth-facing side is caught in full shadow. Thus, there really won't be much to see once the Black Moon even occurs.

This only means that the Black Moon is less visible or close to invisible even if the moon is located up high in the sky. The second instance of a new moon in a month is also called a Blue Moon. So when and where will the next Black Moon take place? Mark your calendars as it will happen on September 30 right at the Western Hemisphere.

According to a report by Space.com, the Black Moon will officially take place by 8:11 p.m. Eastern Time, which is 5:11 p.m. Pacific Time in the Western Hemisphere. On the other hand, those in the Eastern Hemisphere particularly Asia, Australia, Africa and Europe, the Black Moon will occur right after midnight by Oct. 1. Due to the date, this will technically be the first new moon in a calendar month for those in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Another interesting fact about the Black Moon is that it is an unusual celestial event which only happens once in every 32 months. If you're hoping to see this event, head on out at the predicted time and date.