A Rare Lunar Event
On Aug. 23, the night sky will experience a Black Moon, though you won’t actually see it.
“At 2:06 a.m. EDT, the moon will officially pass through its new moon phase,” Space.com reported.
A Black Moon isn’t an official astronomical term but refers to unusual timings of new moons. “Every so often, an ‘extra’ new moon sneaks in and the third in that sequence is dubbed a Black Moon,” Space.com explained. Such events occur about once every 33 months.
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While invisible, the nights that follow can be stunning. “On the evenings of Aug. 24 and Aug. 25, look toward the western horizon about 30 to 40 minutes after sunset to spot a delicate silver arc, the moon’s first reappearance after going dark,” Space.com noted.
Science Versus Speculation
The Daily Mail reported that prophecy watchers often link Black Moons to end-times signs, but astronomers stress otherwise. “‘A black moon is just a second new moon that happens in one calendar month,’ said Walter Freeman, associate teaching professor of physics at Syracuse University. ‘From a scientific perspective, this is no different than any other new moon.’”
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NASA explains that the moon’s far side is lit during this phase, making it invisible to Earth. Still, Freeman said, “‘The lack of moonlight makes for perfect stargazing conditions.’”
Biblical Perspective
Scripture does point to cosmic signs in the last days. Jesus warned, “The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light” (Mark 13:24). Joel also prophesied, “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come” (Joel 2:31).
The Bible makes clear that these dramatic celestial events will occur during the Great Tribulation, a period of judgment before Christ’s return. The current Black Moon, while rare, is part of the natural lunar cycle and not one of these prophetic fulfillments as we are clearly in the days leading up to the Great Tribulation.
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Even so, believers are called to remain watchful. Jesus said, “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). Christians are to “watch and pray” (Matt. 26:41), discerning the signs of the times and living with expectation of His soon return.
Prepared by Charisma Media Staff
