If you just looked out the window and saw a big, black void where the moon usually hangs, you've got your answer. Is it a full moon right now? No. In fact, it is basically the exact opposite.
Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, we are sitting right in the heart of a New Moon.
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Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer if you were hoping for that eerie, bright glow to light up your backyard. Instead of a giant glowing coin, the moon is tucked away between the Earth and the Sun. Its "backside" is the only part getting sunbathed right now, which leaves us looking at the shadowed side.
The Current Phase: Why You Can’t See It
The moon is currently at 0% illumination. That is as dark as it gets. According to NASA’s lunar data, the New Moon officially "perfected" today at 2:52 PM Eastern Time (19:52 UTC).
Because the moon is positioned almost directly between us and the sun, it rises and sets right along with the sun. This means it’s up during the day when the sky is too bright to see it, and it's gone by the time the stars come out.
If you're into stargazing, this is actually a massive win. Without the "light pollution" of a full moon, the Milky Way and fainter constellations are way easier to spot. You’ve probably noticed the stars looking a bit more crisp tonight.
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When is the next full moon?
If you're a fan of the big bright light, you'll have to wait about two weeks. The next full moon, known as the Snow Moon, won't arrive until February 1, 2026.
Here is the quick schedule for the rest of the month:
- January 18: New Moon (Tonight)
- January 25: First Quarter (The "Half Moon" look)
- February 1: Full Snow Moon
What People Get Wrong About the Moon’s Schedule
A common mistake is thinking the moon stays "full" for a long time. Astronomically, the full moon is a split-second event. It’s the exact moment when the Earth is positioned directly between the sun and the moon.
To our eyes, it looks full for about three days. But tonight? We are at the start of a brand-new lunar cycle.
Starting tomorrow, you’ll begin to see a tiny, razor-thin sliver called a Waxing Crescent. It’ll appear on the right side (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere). Every night from here on out, that sliver gets a little bit "fatter" until it hits that February 1st peak.
Cultural Vibes: The Mauni Amavasya
For those who follow Hindu traditions, this specific New Moon on January 18 is actually a huge deal. It’s called Mauni Amavasya.
It’s often referred to as the "day of silence." People literally spend the day not talking to practice self-discipline. Even if you aren't religious, there is something kinda nice about the idea of a quiet, dark night to reset your brain.
In astrology circles—if that's your thing—this moon is landing in Capricorn. Experts like Chani Nicholas and other practitioners often suggest that this is a "workhorse" moon. It’s less about dreaming and more about making a literal to-do list for the rest of 2026.
Wait, was there a Full Moon recently?
Yeah, you probably remember it from the start of the year. The Wolf Moon hit its peak back on January 3, 2026. It was actually a Supermoon, which is why it might have felt extra intense or looked slightly larger than usual.
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Since then, the moon has been "waning" or shrinking. It went from that big bright circle to a "D" shape, then to a thin crescent, and finally disappeared into the New Moon we have today.
Tips for Watching the Sky This Week
Since it isn't a full moon right now, your best bet for skywatching is focusing on the planets.
- Look for Venus: It’s often the "Evening Star" and will be way brighter than any actual star.
- Watch the Crescent: In about 48 hours, look toward the sunset. You’ll see that tiny silver thread of the moon starting to return.
- Use a Dark Sky Map: Since there’s no moonlight to wash out the sky, download an app like SkySafari or Stellarium to find deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula.
Basically, tonight is for the dark-sky lovers. If you’re waiting for the moon to come back in full force, mark your calendar for the start of February. For now, enjoy the pitch-black sky and maybe take a cue from the "day of silence" tradition and just enjoy the quiet.
Your Next Steps:
Check your local weather forecast for February 1st so you don't miss the Snow Moon. If you want to see the first sliver of the new cycle, look toward the western horizon right after sunset on Tuesday evening.