A 'Black Moon' Will Make The Florida Sky A Stargazer's Paradise This Week

An incredible star gazing opportunity is coming for stargazers this week in the Northern Hemisphere. With the arrival of a "Black Moon", Florida stargazers will have unparalleled views of the night sky this week. Similar to the frequent new moons we regularly experience, this Black Moon is extra special because of a certain rare calendar quirk.

The Black Moon is actually not an official term for the occurrence. Timeanddate.com explains that the name has been made popular by social media, astrologers, and modern practitioners of Wiccan traditions.

While the Black Moon can actually refer to a number of different things, in this instance, it’s describing a special new moon, the third in a rare season of four total new moons.

Editor's Choice: A Whale Watching Boat In BC Caught An Orca 'Punting' A Seal Sky-High In The Air (PHOTOS)

A standard astrological season — summer in this case — will normally hold three new moons. According to Forbes, the 2020 season has four, which only occurs every 32 or 33 months, depending on your time zone.

A Black Moon can also refer to the second new moon in a single calendar month, just to keep you on your toes.

This one will occur tonight, August 18, 2020.

It will even make viewing the Milky Way possible, which you can spot over the southern horizon right after night falls.

You'll have the best stargazing opportunities in a place secluded away from the light pollution of cities. A certified dark sky park will give you ultra-dark conditions that make the views that much more spectacular.

While there are many incredible places to stargaze around Florida, a new or black moon will make that experience extra special since you won’t be getting any light reflections from the moon to wash out your view.

So grab a cozy blanket and your best stargazing buddy and get ready to enjoy the splendor of the starry night sky under this special Black Moon.

*Cover photo for illustrative purposes only.

We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment and obey any local laws.