Rare ‘Black Moon’ Event Will Help Iowans Catch the Perseid Meteor Shower

There has been loads to enjoy in the celestial scene for Iowans. A Lunar eclipse, meteor showers, even the Northern lights have made an appearance in just a year's time. Now, an interesting event in the skies, which you can't actually see, will help you catch the final night of the Perseid meteor showers. So what exactly is a "Black Moon"?

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A Black Moon isn’t an official astronomy term, but it describes a rare occurrence in the lunar cycle due to timing, specifically. Normally, each season sees three new moons, but this summer we’re getting four. When that happens, the "extra" one earns the nickname “Black Moon.” This year’s falls on Saturday, August 23rd, at 2:06 AM Eastern time (basically late Friday night). The last one happened back in May 2023 and won't return until 2027.

Here’s the catch: you won’t actually see this moon at all. During the new moon phase, the side facing Earth is completely dark, making it invisible against the sky. But that’s actually good news for stargazers. With the moon out of the picture, the skies will be darker than usual, and the timing couldn't be more perfect, as it is the final night of the Perseid meteor shower.

The Perseids have been active since mid-July and peaked around August 12th with as many as 100 meteors per hour. Even though the show is winding down, it will still be possible to spot streaks of light through August 23rd. With the help of the Black Moon’s dark skies, late-night sky watchers in Iowa can catch some of the year’s final meteors. Of course, the best viewing conditions will be in areas away from city lights, looking toward the northeast just before dawn.

If you're a bigger fan of the lunar cycle, then head outside on the nights of August 24th and 25th. That's when you’ll be treated to the delicate return of the moon as a thin crescent just after sunset. It's the moon that looks like "God's fingernail" hanging in the sky.

So, back to the matter at hand, while the Black Moon itself is invisible, it’s setting the stage for one last chance to enjoy the streaking lights of the Perseids. It might also be your last chance to soak in those final summer moments before the kids head back to school.