Why Have I Never Heard Of The 'Black Moon' Before?
KPIX 5 Morning Weather Anchor Roberta Gonzales answers the questions you never get to ask on-air.
Q: Hey Ro, I have NEVER heard about a "Black Moon." What's up with an expected Black Moon tonight? - Dayna Fuller, Pleasanton
A: It can be confusing and downright technical, but think of a Black Moon as one of four astronomical events (listed below) which centers around a New Moon or Dark Moon. Tonight's event falls under the 2nd definition:
1. The second occurrence of a "New Moon" in a calendar year. (But it cannot happen in February for some technical reason).
2. The third out of four "New Moons" in a Season. (Bingo! This is the third new moon since Winter began in December!)
3. The absence of a "Full Moon" in a calendar month. (This CAN occur in February, but we had a "Full Moon" on February 3, so this definition does not apply).
4. The absence of a "New Moon" in a calendar month. (This CAN occur in February, but tonight we will experience a "New Moon", so this definition does not work for us either).
So to back up a bit, the New Moon is tonight. It's the closest New Moon of the year, so when that happens, it is referred to as a New Moon Supermoon. To complicate matters more, tonight's New Moon is also a seasonal Black Moon. A Black Moon is the third of four New Moons in the current Winter season (December solstice to March equinox). And while a Full Moon Supermoon is at its brightest all night (the next one is Sunday, September 27). But a New Moon Supermoon is only out during the daytime hours and is hidden in the daylight's sunshine.
So overall, tonight we will experience a New Moon Supermoon and Black Moon. The only problem is….it's not visible.
I would love to hear from you! Please send weather questions, observations and photos to me, Gonzales@kpix.cbs.com and I look forward to hearing from you!
