Oregon / Washington Coast Astronomy: Black Moon This Week Has Surprises You Can't See

Published 08/17/25 at 7:15 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Manzanita, Oregon) – Get ready, Pacific Northwesterners: here comes the most unexciting, non-viewable cosmic show for anyone in Washington or Oregon with clear skies. But there's an inherent weirdness to it. On the night of August 22 into the 23rd, there will be the Black Moon – which is really a kind of new moon, but with baggage, so to speak. Above: Oregon Coast Beach Connection grabbed this shot of Gleneden Beach near Lincoln City.

First, it's rather rare. Secondly, you cannot see it, but you might able to make out what isn't there because of this lunar oddity. There's a surprise lurking here.

“A Black Moon will occur in August 2025, specifically on the nights of August 22nd and 23rd, due to the third New Moon in a single astronomical season,” said Jim Todd, astronomy expert with OMSI in Portland. “This rare event will result in exceptionally dark skies, making it ideal for stargazing. The Black Moon is not a celestial body, but rather a phenomenon where the Moon is not visible in the night sky during its New Moon phase. “

While not an official astronomical term, the phrase "black moon" is used to describe either the third of four new moons within a single astronomical season or the second new moon occurring in the same calendar month - both events are infrequent and noteworthy.

“A new moon occurs when the Moon is positioned between the Sun and Earth, with its illuminated side facing away from us, making it appear dark from our perspective,” Todd said. “A black moon is simply the second new moon in a month."

Moon halo at Depoe Bay - Oregon Coast Beach Connection

It's essentially the opposite of a Blue Moon, which is two full moons in a month.

According to Sky & Telescope Magazine, astronomical seasons are defined by solstices and equinoxes, unlike meteorological seasons, which follow annual temperature cycles. This distinction plays a key role in determining the timing of black moons.

Unlike full moons, new moons are hidden from view - but they are essential for phenomena like solar eclipses, which can only happen during this phase.

At Manzanita - Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Yet there's something rather eyebrow-raising for some who didn't know: new moons do rise above the horizon at times – but we can't see them. The weird catch is there are nights when there's a moon present but we can't see it. We can't even see that it's blocking stars behind it - largely because it's not very big, so it would only block a star or two. You'd essentially have to know where the moon is at any given time and what star that might block.

The new moon doesn't become even vaguely visible until the sun is able to light up even just a sliver.

This darkness really works in your favor. Even better for those in coastal burghs like Cannon Beach, Westport, Bandon, Newport or Coos Bay, if you've got clear skies you're in for an astronomical treat.

Oregon Coast Beach Connection

“It's a great opportunity for stargazing and astrophotography,” Todd said. “Find a location away from city lights for the clearest view. Allow your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Consider using binoculars or a telescope for enhanced viewing.”

Those in areas like Seattle, Portland or Ashland should slip out into the nearby countrysides. Drier areas eastward like Pendleton, Bend or Spokane could have it made in the shade.

Among the current finds are the Perseid meteor showers, which are still happening a little bit.

Washington Coast Weather - Oregon Coast Weather  - Inland Oregon Weather

Look for a fair amount of satellites zipping around overhead. Even in Portland, that's been quite noticeable this summer. It's been rather astounding, and they've shown some oddities as well. There was that recent rocket reentry that was filmed around the Northwest, but Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff have also seen a satellite burning up in a fiery ball. Then there's this wowing aspect of satellites that was seen for awhile where some would blink in and out of existence, because they're rotating (or tumbling) and this causes them to catch the sun and then go dark, going on and off as they travel through the sky.

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