On the night of August 22–23, 2025, the sky will offer a double treat for stargazers—a Black Moon offering clear skies and the final chance to catch the Perseid meteor shower this year.
The Perseid Meteor Shower’s Last Act
The famous Perseids, which peaked around mid-August, will still be active until August 24. By the night of August 22–23, the rates will have dropped significantly from their peak, but under the moonless sky, even faint meteors will be visible. It’s your last opportunity this year to witness these swift “shooting stars” streaking from the constellation Perseus before they fade away.
The Black Moon
At 2:06 a.m. EDT on August 23, the Moon enters its new moon phase. Because this is the third new moon in a single season, astronomers call it a “seasonal Black Moon,” an event that occurs roughly once every 33 months. Unlike full moons or eclipses, you won’t see the Black Moon itself. But that’s precisely what makes the night special: with no moonlight, the skies will be exceptionally dark, perfect for deep-sky observing.
The real highlight of this night is the Milky Way. With the sky at its darkest thanks to the Black Moon, the luminous band of our galaxy will appear at its most striking.
July and August are the prime months to see the Milky Way. From late June through August, Earth’s night-side faces directly toward the galactic core in the constellation Sagittarius. This is the densest, brightest part of our galaxy, packed with star clusters, glowing nebulae, and dark dust lanes. Around midnight, the Milky Way arches high across the sky, making July and August the best time of year to truly experience its full grandeur.
Viewers in the Northern Hemisphere will have the best view of these events.. Away from city lights, you’ll be able to trace its star clouds, dark dust lanes, and glowing nebulae stretching across the sky—an awe-inspiring reminder of our place in the cosmos.
This week's cooldown looks to be just slightly below average now. Maybe a -5 on Wednesday with cool lows
