The seasonal Black Moon will be in the sky soon for the first time in about 33 months.
Though it may not be visible to the naked eye, the Black Moon will offer an excellent opportunity for stargazing.
If you don’t want to miss it, here’s what Hoosier stargazers should know.
What is a Black Moon?
The Black Moon refers to the third New Moon in an astronomical season of four New Moons, according to timeanddate.com. It occurs as the moon shifts between the Earth and the sun.
Can you see the Black Moon?
As a type of New Moon, the Black Moon lies between the Earth and the sun, with its unlit side facing us, so it won’t be visible. It also rises and sets around the same time as the sun, which means it’ll be too close to its bright glare to be seen.
You can only see the New Moon during a solar eclipse, but even then, you need protective eyewear to prevent permanent eye damage.
When will the Black Moon occur in Indiana?
The Black Moon will occur at 2:06 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23 for those living in Indianapolis.
Story continues after photo gallery.
Will skies be clear in Indiana during the Black Moon?
The weather in Indianapolis is forecast to be mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradually clearing, with a low around 61 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
In northern Indiana, near Gary, skies are expected to be mostly clear with a low around 61 degrees, while in southern Indiana, near Evansville, it’s expected to be partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Best spots to stargaze in Indiana
Stargazing can best be viewed somewhere far away from bright city lights, which means you should find a dark, safe spot out in the country.
If possible, head to Beverly Shores, near Gary, which is an International Dark Sky location and therefore an excellent place for stargazing. You can also travel to Kemil Beach at Indiana Dunes State Park and Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park in Michigan, which also are designated dark sky locations, according to DarkSky International.
Need help finding stars, planets and constellations? Try these free astronomy apps
The following free astronomy apps can help you locate stars, planets, and constellations.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: A Black Moon is rising in Indiana Aug. 22-23. What is it? Will skies be clear?
Reporting by Katie Wiseman, Hannah Hudnall and John Tufts, USA TODAY NETWORK / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
