On December 31, 2024, residents of Russia will witness a rare astronomical event known as a 'black moon' or a second new moon of the month. This phenomenon occurs when the moon is completely obscured from view, as its disk falls entirely into the Earth's shadow.
According to the Novosibirsk State University (NSU), this occurrence was explained by Alfiya Nesterенко, head of the university's Educational Astrophysical Automated Complex. She noted that the moon typically goes through four phases each month: new moon, first quarter (waxing), full moon, and last quarter (waning).
This December is unique, as the moon will enter what can be described as a 'fifth' phase, resulting in a second new moon on December 31.
During this time, the moon will not be visible to the naked eye. It may only be observed if a meteorite strikes its surface, which happens approximately once an hour. Observers will require patience, a camera, and a telescope for this rare event.
Additionally, as the moon moves through its phases, it occasionally 'covers' stars, a phenomenon known as lunar occultation. On January 4, 2025, the moon is expected to cover Saturn, visible from Central Russia, while on the evening of January 5, residents of Siberia can observe the moon covering Neptune.
Nesterенко emphasized that by then, the moon will be partially visible, with one-third of its disk showing, making the phenomenon of 'hiding' a planet behind the moon and then 'emerging' from its shadow easily observable. However, viewers will need to be patient to catch both the first and last contacts.