Here’s why the solar eclipse on April 30 is called ‘Black Moon’

• In 2022, there will be two solar eclipses – the first one on April 30and the second one on October 25.
• The partial solar eclipse on April 30happens during night time and hence it can’t be watched from Indian soil.
• Astronomers have called this solar eclipse a ‘Black Moon’, which is an interesting phenomenon connected to some solar eclipses.
  

On April 30, the first of the two solar eclipses of 2022 will happen. Astronomers classify this Surya Grahan (solar eclipse) as a partial one. During the time of Surya Grahan, India will have its night time. The eclipse happens when the sun will be shining on the other side of the earth and hence the solar eclipse on April 30th can be seen only from a few places on the earth that does not include India.

Solar and lunar eclipses are important events from an astrological point of view. There are common dos and don’ts that astrological and religious texts prescribe the followers. Sunlight is the vital source of all energy and life on the earth. Eclipses in general and solar eclipse in particular can bring different kinds of results to different zodiac signs.

Adverse results of solar eclipses are applicable only if the given solar eclipse is visible from the place where the individual dwells. Because the solar eclipse on April 30, 2022 will not be visible from India, this topic can be sidelined to focus on other aspects of the upcoming eclipse.

What is ‘Black Moon’?

Astronomers describe the partial solar eclipse on April 30 as ‘Black Moon’. NASA has explained this phenomenon in detail, discussing which can add up to the curiosity associated with the first solar eclipse of 2022.

Any solar eclipse can happen only on a New Moon Day (No Moon Day). NASA says before and during sunset on April 30, the Moon will block some portion of the sun, which will result in a partial eclipse. Such a kind of eclipse is known as ‘Black Moon’.

‘Black Moon’ is a rare kind of event observed during a solar eclipse and we could not witness such a happening in 2021. ‘Black Moon’ is not an official term though. As per SPACE.com, the term ‘black moon’ can be defined in different ways. However, the majority of definitions associate this term with the New Moon. This is because during the phase of the New Moon, the Moon is always black.

About the partial solar eclipse on April 30

According to Indian Standard Time (IST), the first solar eclipse of 2022 on April 30 will start around midnight at 12:15 a.m. and will last till 4:07 on the early morning of May 1. During this solar eclipse, the moon will hide only the outer part of the Sun’s shadow and hence the eclipse is defined as a partial one.

The upcoming solar eclipse can’t be seen from India and those living in Antarctica, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic region, South America and some other parts can enjoy a spectacular view of the eclipse on April 30.

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The first solar eclipse of 2022 – everything you need to know
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