If you’re looking out your window right now hoping to catch a glimpse of the moon, you might be waiting a while. Honestly, the moon is a bit of a flake. It doesn't follow the same schedule as the sun, and if you’re expecting it to pop up right as the sky gets dark, you're going to be disappointed today.
Today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the moon is playing a game of hide and seek. For most of the United States, the today moon rise time is actually in the early hours of the morning—well before the sun even thinks about coming up. In New York, for instance, it’s rising around 4:13 AM. If you're down in New Orleans, you're looking at about 3:39 AM.
Basically, we are in the "late night/early morning" phase of the lunar schedule. This isn't the big, glowing orb that lights up your evening walk. It’s the quiet, silver sliver that only the milkmen and the insomniacs usually see.
What is the Today Moon Rise Time Near Me?
Because the Earth is a giant sphere and we're all tilted at weird angles, the exact minute the moon peeks over the horizon depends entirely on where you're standing. It’s not a "one size fits all" situation.
Here is a quick look at the regional estimates for today:
- East Coast (EST): Between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM.
- Central States (CST): Between 3:30 AM and 4:15 AM.
- Mountain Time (MST): Between 3:15 AM and 4:00 AM.
- West Coast (PST): Between 3:00 AM and 3:45 AM.
Why the gap? Latitude. The further north you go, the more the timing shifts. If you’re in Seattle, your experience is wildly different from someone in Miami.
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The Waning Crescent: Why Today’s Moon is So Thin
We’ve just passed the Third Quarter moon, which happened back on January 10th. Right now, we are firmly in the Waning Crescent phase.
Only about 16% of the moon is illuminated today.
It looks like a fingernail clipping. It's thinning out as it heads toward the New Moon on January 18th. Because it's so close to the sun in the sky, it rises just a few hours before sunrise and sets shortly after lunch.
If you miss it in the pre-dawn hours, you’ll have a hard time seeing it during the day. The sun’s glare usually washes out a 16% crescent once the clock hits 9:00 AM.
The "50-Minute Rule" That Everyone Gets Wrong
Most people think the moon rises at the same time every day. It doesn't.
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On average, the moon rises about 50 minutes later each day. This happens because while the Earth is spinning, the moon is also moving in its own orbit around us. By the time the Earth finishes one full rotation, the moon has moved a bit further along its path. We have to spin for another 50 minutes or so just to "catch up" and see it again.
But here’s the kicker: that "50 minutes" is just an average.
Sometimes the difference is only 30 minutes. Other times, it’s over an hour. It depends on the angle of the lunar orbit relative to our horizon. Right now, in mid-January, those gaps are fairly consistent, but they still catch casual observers off guard.
Why You Should Look Near Antares Today
If you actually manage to get outside around 5:00 AM today, you’re in for a treat. The moon isn't alone. It’s hanging out near a very bright, reddish star called Antares.
Antares is the "heart" of the Scorpius constellation. Seeing that tiny, 16% lit crescent dangling right next to a red supergiant star is one of those "cool space moments" that makes the early wake-up call worth it.
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Viewing Tips for This Morning
- Look Southeast: That’s where the action is before dawn.
- Check for "Earthshine": Since the moon is a thin crescent, you might see the "dark" part of the moon glowing faintly. That’s actually sunlight reflecting off the Earth and hitting the moon. It’s called the Da Vinci Glow.
- Find Jupiter: If you turn around and look toward the West/Northwest at the same time, Jupiter will be blazing bright. It's currently in Gemini and is hard to miss.
Common Misconceptions About Moonrise
I hear this all the time: "The moon only comes out at night."
Nope.
The moon is above the horizon for about 12 hours a day, roughly half of every month. The reason we think it’s a night creature is simply visibility. When the moon is "Full," it rises at sunset and stays up all night. But when it’s a "Crescent" like today, it’s a daytime moon.
Today’s moon will actually be in the sky for most of the morning. It sets around 1:14 PM (depending on your zip code).
If you have a clear blue sky this afternoon, look up. You might see a ghost-like shape of the moon high in the sky before it dips below the horizon. It’s there; it’s just subtle.
Actionable Steps for Tonight and Tomorrow
If you want to catch the lunar show, don't wait for tonight. The "tonight" moon for January 14th won't actually appear until the early hours of January 15th.
- Set an alarm for 5:00 AM: This is the "Golden Hour" for today's moon. It will be high enough to clear trees but the sun won't have washed it out yet.
- Use a Sky Map App: Use something like Stellarium or SkySafari. Type in your exact city to get the precision today moon rise time down to the second.
- Watch the Horizon: If you have a clear view of the Southeast, look for the red spark of Antares first. The moon will be just to the upper right of it.
- Prepare for Tomorrow: Remember the 50-minute rule. If the moon rises at 4:13 AM today, expect it closer to 5:05 AM tomorrow. It gets thinner and later every single day this week.
The moon is currently transitioning toward its "New" phase, meaning it's about to disappear entirely for a few days. If you want to see it, the next 48 hours are your last real chance before it vanishes into the sun's glare.