You’ve probably heard of a new moon or even a blue moon — but what about a black moon? And when will the next one take place?
Unlike a supermoon, which steals the show with its bright, oversized presence, a black moon is the lunar equivalent of a quiet guest slipping into the room unnoticed. You can’t actually see it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth knowing about.
Mark the date: the next seasonal black moon is on August 23, 2025.
What is a black moon?
The term “black moon” isn’t an official astronomical label — it’s a nickname for certain rare new moon events. The most common definition is when there are two new moons in a single calendar month.
Since new moons occur when the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun — with its lit side facing away from us — they’re invisible to the naked eye. In other words, it’s like having two no-shows in one month’s lunar line-up.
Other definitions include the third new moon in a season that has four (instead of the usual three), or a February without any new moon at all — but the “two in one month” version is the one you’ll most often hear about.
The seasonal black moon is the third new moon in an astronomical season that unusually contains four new moons. This is a rarer variant of the black moon and happens about once every 33 months.
According to Time and Date, it will occur on August 23, 2025, between the June solstice and the September equinox.
A monthly black moon (second new moon in one month) won’t happen again until August 31, 2027.
What does it mean in astrology?
In astrology, a black moon is seen as an extra-potent time for new beginnings, deep introspection, or planting the seeds for future goals. It’s sometimes considered a cosmic “power-up” for intention-setting — the new moon energy, doubled.
Many people use this time to reflect, journal, or let go of things that no longer serve them. Whether you’re into astrology or simply love celestial trivia, it’s a reminder that the most transformative moments often happen in the dark.
When is the next one?
As aforementioned, the next monthly black moon will arrive on August 31, 2027. However, the next seasonal black moon is on August 23, 2025.
With no moonlight to wash out the sky, constellations, planets, and even the Milky Way will be more visible — especially if you’re far from city lights. So while the black moon hides, the rest of the universe will put on a show.
