Colorado Prepares for Rare Black Moon Event in August

What's Happening?

Colorado is set to experience a rare 'black moon' on August 22, a phenomenon where two new moons occur in a single calendar month. This event, while invisible to the naked eye, will create darker skies, enhancing stargazing opportunities. The National Weather Service forecasts a 60% chance of showers and cloudy skies, which may impact visibility. Despite the moon's invisibility, the absence of moonlight will allow for better observation of stars and the Perseid meteor shower.

Why It's Important?

The occurrence of a black moon is significant for astronomers and stargazers, as it provides a rare opportunity to observe celestial objects without the interference of moonlight. This event could boost interest in astronomy and encourage people to explore the night sky. Additionally, the rarity of black moons, occurring once every 33 months, adds to the allure and excitement surrounding this astronomical event.

What's Next?

Following the black moon, stargazers can look forward to observing the Perseid meteor shower, which is expected to last until August 23. The next black moon is anticipated on August 20, 2028, which will be a super black moon, offering another chance for enhanced astronomical observations.