Ever looked up at the night sky, squinting through the clouds, and wondered why the moon just... isn't there? It’s a weird feeling. Like the sky is missing a limb.
If you're asking what is moon today on January 17, 2026, the short answer is that it's practically a ghost. We are currently in the Waning Crescent phase. To be specific, the moon is sitting at about 1.5% to 2% illumination. Basically, it’s a fingernail-thin sliver of light that’s barely hanging on before it disappears entirely into the New Moon phase tomorrow.
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The Waning Crescent Explained (Simply)
Most people think the moon just turns off like a light bulb. Honestly, it’s more of a slow fade.
Right now, the moon is trailing the sun across the sky. Because it’s so close to the sun from our perspective on Earth, the side reflecting sunlight is pointed almost entirely away from us. That tiny 2% sliver is all we get.
If you want to see it, you’ve got to be an early bird. Today, the moon rose in the pre-dawn hours—around 5:45 AM for many in the Northern Hemisphere—and it’ll set late in the afternoon, likely before the sun even goes down. Since the sun is so much brighter, that little crescent usually gets washed out by the daylight.
Why Visibility Is So Low Right Now
You might be tempted to grab your telescope, but honestly, today is a tough day for moon-spotting.
- Proximity to the Sun: The moon is physically very close to the solar disk in our sky.
- Atmospheric Glare: Even if the sky is clear, the blue scattering of sunlight during the day makes a 2% moon nearly invisible.
- Timing: By the time the stars come out tonight, the moon will have already dipped below the horizon.
It’s a bit of a bummer if you’re a casual stargazer, but for amateur astronomers, this is actually prime time. Why? Because a dark sky is a deep-sky photographer's best friend. Without the moon’s "light pollution," you can actually see the faint fuzzies—nebulae, distant galaxies, and the star clusters like the Pleiades—with much better contrast.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Lunar Highlights
If the current "invisible" moon has you feeling underwhelmed, just wait. 2026 is actually a massive year for lunar events. We just finished the "Wolf Moon" supermoon back on January 3, but the calendar is stacked.
The Big One: March Total Lunar Eclipse
Mark March 3, 2026, on your calendar. This isn't just a phase; it’s a full-on Total Lunar Eclipse. The "Worm Moon" will pass directly into Earth’s shadow, turning a deep, moody brick red. Experts like those at NASA and the Royal Museums Greenwich are already calling this the highlight of the year for North America and East Asia.
The Return of the Snow Moon
We won't stay in the dark for long. The next Full Moon—popularly known as the Snow Moon—is slated for February 1, 2026. It’ll rise at sunset and stay up all night, which is a far cry from the disappearing act we're seeing today.
What You Should Do Tonight Instead
Since you probably won't find the moon, use this darkness to your advantage.
- Spot Jupiter: While the moon is hiding, Jupiter is absolutely dominating the night. It reached opposition just a week ago on January 10, meaning it’s at its brightest and highest point. You can't miss it; it's the brightest "star" in the constellation Gemini.
- Check for Earthshine: If you have a really clear horizon just before sunrise tomorrow, look for "the old moon in the new moon’s arms." This is when sunlight reflects off Earth, hits the dark part of the moon, and bounces back to us. It gives the dark side of the moon a faint, ghostly glow.
- Clean Your Gear: If you’re a photographer, today is the day to prep. With the New Moon arriving tomorrow, January 18, the next few nights are the absolute best for Milky Way shots or long-exposure star trails.
Basically, the moon is taking a nap today so the rest of the universe can show off.
Keep an eye on the eastern horizon just before dawn tomorrow for that final, thinning sliver. After that, we reset the clock. The lunar cycle is 29.5 days of constant change, and today just happens to be the quiet moment before the next big show begins.
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Pro-tip: Use a sky tracking app like Stellarium or SkySafari. Plug in your exact coordinates to see the precise minute the moon rises in your backyard, because at 2% illumination, every minute of darkness counts.