'Black moon' phenomenon set to transform skies above Scotland tonight
Scots will be treated to a rare lunar phenomenon tonight, as a 'black moon' is set to give give stargazers a unique view of the sky. The unusual event only occurs once every two and a half years.
Although it is not officially recognised in astronomy, the phenomenon has fascinated humans for centuries. A black moon refers to the appearance of two new moons in a single month.
A new moon is the first lunar phase when the shadowed side of the moon points towards Earth, making it look as though it has disappeared entirely. A black moon is the opposite of a blue moon, which occurs when there are two full moons in one month.
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Because the moon is shrouded in shadow, the black moon phenomenon cannot be seen from Earth - even with a telescope. Instead, the moon will be notable by its complete absence, appearing as though it has been extinguished in the sky.
As a result, the black moon offers an excellent opportunity for stargazers to seek out their favourite constellations. The darker skies means that stars, constellations and deep sky objects like clusters and galaxies can be seen more easily from Earth.
Scientists predict that enthusiasts will be able to spot Mercury, Venus, and Saturn, along with the Orion and Taurus constellations. They recommend choosing a spot with a broad an unobstructed view of the sky, away from artificial lights such as streetlamps.
Certainly, the rare event is not one to be missed, as there won't be another black moon until August 2027.
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