Rare Black Moon to appear this weekend

Sky-watchers in St Kitts and Nevis, along with the rest of the Caribbean, are in for a rare astronomical event in the early hours of Saturday 23 August. At around 2 a.m., the region will experience what is known as a Black Moon.

A Black Moon occurs when there are three new moons within a single season — a phenomenon that takes place only once every 33 months. While the Black Moon itself is invisible, its presence creates especially dark skies, providing ideal conditions for stargazing.

The timing also coincides with the fading tail of the Perseid meteor shower, giving observers a chance to catch streaks of light across the sky against the backdrop of the rare moonless night.

Astronomers say the event captures the essence of a dark and moody sky, perfect for anyone keen to experience the night in its most natural state. Residents are encouraged to step outside in the early hours for a glimpse of the spectacle.