Today’s Moon Phase
Moon Phases: November 7, 2026 – November 11, 2026 Moon Phases: November 8, 2026 – November 10, 2026
Today’s New Moon
The New Moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle, when the Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun. During this phase, the side of the Moon facing Earth is not illuminated, making it nearly invisible to the naked eye. The term "new" refers to this alignment, which occurs at the start of each lunar cycle.
At this time, the Moon rises and sets with the Sun, which is why it cannot be seen in the night sky. The graph below provides key details about the Moon's position, including its altitude (height above the horizon), azimuth (direction), and the Sun's altitude. Use this information to understand the Moon's movement and plan your observations more effectively.
All times are in local time (UTC-05:00). They take into account refraction. In certain polar regions (the Arctic and Antarctic), the Moon or the Sun may not rise or set.
New Moon in Detail
This phase is distinct in both its astronomical characteristics and symbolic meanings. Although it is not visible to the naked eye, its role in the lunar cycle and its cultural significance are consistent across the world. The following sections provide detailed information about its appearance, position in the lunar cycle, cultural significance, and visibility.
Key Features of the New Moon
Appearance: The New Moon is essentially invisible to the naked eye, as the side of the Moon facing Earth receives no sunlight. This occurs when the Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, causing its illuminated side to face away from us. Under ideal conditions, it may be faintly outlined during a solar eclipse, but otherwise, the night sky appears Moonless during this phase.
Position in the Lunar Cycle: This phase marks the beginning of the lunar cycle. It precedes the Waxing Crescent phase and follows the waning stages of the previous cycle. At this point, the Moon's age is typically 0 to 1 day, and illumination gradually increases as it moves away from its conjunction with the Sun.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance: The New Moon is often associated with reflection, planning, and goal-setting. In many cultures, it is considered a suitable time to pause, clarify goals, and prepare for future action.
Visibility: Due to its alignment with the Sun, this phase is generally not visible from Earth. The Moon rises and sets with the Sun and remains above the horizon during daylight hours, so it cannot be seen in the night sky. It becomes visible again in the following days as it enters the Waxing Crescent phase.
Major Moon Phases 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Moon look different every day?
The Moon looks different each day because it goes through phases as it orbits Earth. These phases occur because of the changing positions of the Moon, Earth, and the Sun. As their alignment shifts, different parts of the Moon’s illuminated side are visible from Earth. This creates the phases, such as New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Last Quarter.
What are the phases of the Moon?
The eight phases of the Moon, in order, are New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.
How long does it take for the Moon to complete a full cycle?
The Moon takes approximately 29.5 days to complete a full cycle, known as a lunar month or a synodic month. This is the time it takes to move through all eight phases, from New Moon back to New Moon, as seen from Earth.
How can I check the Moon phase for my location?
Our website already provides the moon phase specific to your location. It automatically detects your location to provide accurate moon phase information, including moonrise and moonset times.
Do Moon phases affect sleep or emotions?
Some studies suggest that moon phases, like the Full Moon, may slightly affect sleep, such as taking longer to fall asleep. However, there is limited scientific evidence linking moon phases to emotions. Cultural beliefs and individual perceptions may also contribute to these experiences.