A black moon also refers to the new moon phase itself when the moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, making it nearly invisible from our view. The black moon is a new moon in Capricorn, an Earth sign associated with ambition, professional goals, societal structures and authority, according to Thomas.

That's because a black moon is the term for the second new moon to fall in a single calendar month, and new moons appear invisible to the naked eye from Earth. While new moons happen throughout the year, two new moons only fall in a single calendar month about once every 29 months, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

Between December 30 and 31, skywatchers will witness a rare celestial event—the Black Moon, the final astronomical phenomenon of 2024.

The Chinese Lunar New Year, starting Jan. 29, 2025, marks the Year of the Wood Snake. It’s celebrated for 15 days, ending on Feb. 12, or Lantern Festival.

Is the black moon really black? Everything to know about the rare black moon and when to watch the rare celestial event.

A rare Black Moon will rise at the end of the year, and it will give both professional and amateur astronomers a great opportunity to view some far-away celestial bodies.