If you're looking at the sky right now—specifically this evening of January 17, 2026—and wondering what time does the moon turn pink tonight, I have to be the bearer of some slightly disappointing, but scientifically fascinating, news.
The moon isn't turning pink tonight. In fact, if you step outside and look up, you might have a hard time seeing the moon at all. We are currently in the middle of a New Moon phase. This means the moon is tucked away, basically invisible, sitting right between us and the sun.
But wait. Why is everyone talking about a pink moon?
Usually, when people search for this, they're looking for the famous "Pink Moon" of April. In 2026, that event is scheduled for April 1, 2026, peaking at roughly 10:12 PM EDT. So, if you were hoping for a rosy glow over the horizon tonight, you're a few months early.
Why We Call It a Pink Moon (And Why It Isn't Pink)
It's kinda funny how these names stick. You’d think a "Pink Moon" would look like a giant ball of cotton candy hanging in the sky. Honestly, it’s mostly just branding.
The name actually comes from Native American tradition, specifically the Algonquin people. They named the April full moon after Phlox subulata—otherwise known as "moss pink" or creeping phlox. It’s one of those hardy little wildflowers that carpets the ground in the Eastern United States right as spring starts to kick in.
So, the "Pink" refers to the flowers on the ground, not the rock in space.
When the Moon Actually Looks Different
Now, that doesn't mean the moon never changes color. If you've ever seen a moon that looks deep orange or slightly reddish, you aren't imagining things. This usually happens for two reasons:
- The Horizon Effect: When the moon is low on the horizon, its light has to travel through more of Earth's atmosphere. This scatters the blue light and lets the red and orange wavelengths through. It’s the same reason sunsets are pretty.
- Atmospheric Gunk: Smoke from wildfires, dust, or heavy pollution can turn the moon a weird, murky copper color.
- Lunar Eclipses: During a total lunar eclipse, the moon turns a deep "blood" red because it's sitting in Earth's shadow.
The 2026 Lunar Calendar: Save These Dates
Since tonight isn't the night for a colorful moon, you might want to mark your calendar for when the real shows happen. 2026 is actually a pretty big year for stargazers.
We have a Total Lunar Eclipse coming up on March 3, 2026. That is the night the moon actually will change color, turning a dark, rusty red.
Here is the breakdown of the major full moons for the rest of the year:
- February 1: Snow Moon (Peak at 5:09 PM EST)
- March 3: Worm Moon (This is the big eclipse!)
- April 1: Pink Moon (The one you're likely thinking of)
- May 1: Flower Moon
- May 31: Blue Moon (The second full moon in a single month)
What's Happening Tonight Specifically?
So, if there's no pink moon tonight, January 17, 2026, what are you looking at?
Technically, the moon is a "Waning Crescent" right now, but it's only about 1% illuminated. It rose around 6:39 AM this morning and will set around 4:45 PM. Essentially, it’s hanging out in the daytime sky, totally drowned out by the sun's glare.
Tomorrow, January 18, is the official New Moon. This is actually the best time for "dark sky" activities. Because there’s no moonlight to wash out the sky, it's the perfect night to grab some binoculars and look for the Andromeda Galaxy or the Pleiades star cluster.
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Tips for the Best Moon Viewing
If you're planning ahead for the actual Pink Moon on April 1, or the eclipse in March, you’ve gotta prep a little.
Don't just look out your bedroom window. Light pollution from streetlights kills the vibe. Get at least 20 minutes away from city centers.
Use an app like PhotoPills or Stellarium. These are lifesavers. They use augmented reality to show you exactly where the moon will pop up over the trees.
And remember the "Moon Illusion." The moon always looks massive when it's near the horizon compared to when it's high in the sky. This is just your brain playing tricks on you because it has buildings or trees for scale. If you want that "giant" moon photo, catch it right at moonrise.
Your Next Steps for Tonight
Since the moon is a no-show tonight, shift your focus to the stars.
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- Check your local weather: If it's clear, you're in luck for some deep-space viewing.
- Look for Orion: This time of year, the hunter is high in the southern sky. His belt is three bright stars in a perfect row—impossible to miss.
- Set a reminder for March 3: That’s your next chance to see the moon actually change color during the total eclipse.
While you won't see a pink moon tonight, the "New Moon" darkness offers a different kind of beauty. Enjoy the stars.