ADVERTISEMENT

Sci-Tech

Spooky: Rare 'black moon' to rise Friday night

Published: 

In this Jan. 9, 2008, file photo, one day past New, an early Waxing Crescent Moon is seen just after sunset from Tyler, Texas. (AP / Dr. Scott M. Lieberman)

PHILADELPHIA - A rare "black moon" rises Friday night over the Western Hemisphere, but don't expect to see it.

NASA says a black moon is the second new moon in a calendar month. A new moon is the start of the lunar cycle and the phase where the moon is impossible to see because it's completely shrouded in darkness.

A black moon occurs about once every 32 months. Friday night's officially takes place at 8:11 p.m. on the East Coast.

The term "black moon" contrasts with "blue moon," which is the second full moon in a calendar month.