A rare type of Moon called the Black Moon phenomenon will accompany a partial solar eclipse on Saturday, April 30, 2022, before the moment of Eid al-Fitr. Depending on the first sighting of the crescent moon phase, this year's Eid is expected to fall on Sunday, May 1 or Monday, May 2.
The new month of April, or Shawwal for Muslims in the Islamic calendar, will also mark two other celestial events. First, the approach of Venus and Jupiter just before sunrise on Saturday (1/5).
What is the Black Moon phenomenon? While not an official astronomical term, Timeanddate.com describes the Black Moon phenomenon as two situations in which this rare new moon phase occurs.
To note, a new moon occurs when the Moon is completely in shadow from Earth's perspective, and is the only alignment in which a solar eclipse can occur, though it is rare.
Two types of Black Moon, are the second new moon in a calendar month, or the third new moon in the new four-moon season. April Black Moon, fits the first definition, although sadly, we won't be able to see it.
Quoted from Space.com, what will be seen on April 30 / May 1, 2022 is the resulting solar eclipse, when the Moon passes part of the Sun from Earth's perspective. Even then, not all regions can see.
A partial solar eclipse on April 30 will sweep across parts of Antarctica, the southern tip of South America, and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Countries that are in this region will be very lucky to be able to witness it. I
The eclipse will begin at 2:45 p.m. EDT (1845 GMT), when it's first seen by skywatchers in the visibility area. The maximum eclipse time will be at 4:41 p.m. EDT (2041 GMT), with the eclipse ending at 6:37 p.m. EDT (2237 GMT), according to TimeandDate.com. According to NASA, roughly 64% of the Sun's disk will be erased at most.
Don't forget to keep an eye on the sky if you're interested in other astronomical events before and after the eclipse. At sunrise on April 30, you'll be able to see Venus and Jupiter in rare conjunction or close approach, as the planets come together to form the epic lineup of five planets visible in June.
Then on May 4 and 5, you can watch the remnants of Comet Halley slam into the atmosphere to produce the Eta Aquarids meteor shower. Given that the Moon is only a few days past its new phase, this meteor shower should be fairly well-observed.
Of course, the heavenly treats that occur in a row ahead of the Eid al-Fitr moment will be very special for astronomy lovers.