The world ends 2024 with a rare "black moon"

(NLDO) - Appearing on the last day of the year, the "black moon" is a lucky thing that astronomers around the world look forward to.

According to the US Naval Observatory, the "black moon" will appear at 5:27 p.m. on December 30, Eastern Time, corresponding to 5:27 a.m. on December 31, Vietnam time.

Despite its mysterious name, a "black moon" is actually quite simple: If a "blue moon" is the nickname for the second full moon in a month, a "black moon" is the second new moon of the month.

But for astronomers, the "black moon" is actually a lucky omen.

The position of "The Moon" and the Sun on the sky map, with the hunter figure created by the constellation Orion - Graphic image: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night

According to Space.com, a new moon occurs when the Sun and Moon share the same celestial longitude, a position that can also be called conjunction.

You cannot see the Moon during this phase from Earth under normal conditions, because its entire illuminated side is facing backward in the direction of view from Earth.

Only when there is a solar eclipse does the new moon appear.

That is what makes it lucky for astronomers, as well as skywatchers around the world.

Because the sky is completely moonless, we can see other celestial bodies and astronomical phenomena in the sky more clearly.

For example, you can catch the first Quadrantids meteors, which are getting heavier before peaking next weekend.

You can also see the planets. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will all appear at different times of the night.

The stars that make up the hunter-shaped constellation Orion will also be located around the new moon and will be most clearly observed on a dark night - the early morning of December 31 in Vietnam.

Scientists in some places like North America are even luckier: Moonless skies combined with very dry winter air will make telescopes perform better than ever.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/the-gioi-ket-thuc-nam-2024-bang-trang-den-hiem-gap-196241229090455378.htm