New Moon of August 2020: Here is why the 'New Moon' this month is so rare

It is a splendid spectacle for astromy lovers when celestial objects pass through Earth’s night sky. Wher it’s a comet, a meteor shower or one of those nights when Mars is clearly visible, witnessing se celestial objects is always a treat.

In month of July and August, this year, skywatchers were greeted by comet NEOWISE, which was brightest comet in 23 years, and Perseid Meteor Shower. However, this week skywatchers found mselves marvelling at beauty of elusive and rare New Moon kwn as Black Moon. Re on to kw more about Black Moon.

Re | Full Moon Calendar 2020: Which Nights Will Have Full Moon In Second Half Of 2020?

Lunar Cycle Explained

According to NASA, every 27 days, 7 hours, and 43 minutes, a new Moon appears in Earth’s sky. lunar cycle every month is marked by a few milestones. While Moon is approaching peak of its lunar cycle, a sliver of Moon’s crescent appears in our skies. After reaching its peak point Moon begins to wane into invisibility once more, before starting ar cycle.

Source: NASA

Re | Lava tubes present on Mars, Earth, & Moon can be potential safe habitats

New Moon August 2020: Why is August New Moon so rare?

According to NASA’s SkyCal site, New Moon appeared on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 10:41 p.m. EDT, which is 7:41 p.m. PT. However, new moon of August 2020 is t an ordinary one. This month's new Moon is also a rare Black Moon. 

Black Moon occurs once every 33 months. This rare New Moon is a great opportunity to observe or celestial objects in night sky as well. This is because light coming from Moon will be too faint to interfere with light coming from stars, planets, and galaxies.

Re | Soviet’s ‘Luna 24’ successfully landed on moon on this day in 1976

Sky gazers across world will be able to enjoy this lunar silence on Tuesday and Wednesday night. After this, Moon will slowly start to appear brighter. NASA has also stated that next seasonal Black Moon will take place on May 19, 2023.

Re | Black Moon of August 2020 set to peak this week: How to observe this lunar event?

Full Moon in September 2020

While on August 3, Full Moon was a Sturgeon Moon, next Full Moon night will be on September 3, which will be Corn Moon. NASA website suggests that September 3 full moon will appear at 1:22 a.m. ET.  Full Moon in September is uniquely named as Corn Moon, as corn is rey of harvest around this time.