The Next 'New Moon' Is Happening This Weekend—Here's What To Expect
Plus, the dates of every new moon coming up in 2023.
There are many phases that the moon will go through during its cycle, from a new moon to a full moon with crescents and halves in between. For those of you who keep track, you know that we are nearing the point of another moon cycle. That means that we are approaching the next new moon. If you have never heard of the term "new moon," we'll explain what that is and answer "When is the next new moon?"
Like star gazing, many of us like to view the different moon phases, eclipses, or special moon types like the super moons, blood moons, blue moons or harvest moons. However, if you are hoping to view something special with a new moon, you may be a little disappointed. In fact, you may think that there is no moon at all.
Related: What Is a Blue Moon? All About the Astronomical Rarity
What Is a New Moon?
A new moon is the direct opposite of a full moon. Where a full moon is when the moon shines the brightest, a new moon is completely dark. That is because, during a full moon, we see the side of the moon that is illuminated by the sun. And during a new moon, we see the side of the moon that is not being illuminated by the sun. Since the new moon is completely dark, it has also been referred to as "no moon." Which is exactly what we see, no moon.
Unless you are an astronomer, it's easy to miss a new moon or not know what it is. One might just assume that there is no moon out that night. However, we do know that the moon is there. A new moon just doesn't seem like anything but a cloudy night.
During a new moon phase, the moon is passing between the earth and the sun. It is when it's possible to have a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse happens when the moon is perfectly in line with the sun. While it does not happen during every new moon, a solar eclipse can only happen during a new moon. At this time, you would be able to view it silhouetted.
According to Nine Planets, for many decades, the new moon term was used to describe the first visible crescent of the Moon after its conjunction with the sun. This thin waxing crescent is observed for a short period as the moon gets lower in the western skies after sunset.
Related: When Is the Next Blood Moon? Go Ahead and Mark Those Calendars!
When Is the Next New Moon?
The next new moon will occur on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 3:53 PM ET. If you were hoping for the moon to illuminate your way on that night, you better grab a flashlight instead!
How Often Do We Have a New Moon?
A new moon is the first lunar phase that happens every 29 1/2 days or about once a month. This means that we will have twelve new moons a year. This is how long it takes for the moon to pass through all of its phases (new moon to full moon) and then return to its position.
Calendar of New Moons for 2023
January New Moon - January 21
February New Moon - February 20
March New Moon - March 21
April New Moon - April 20
May New Moon - May 19
June New Moon - June 18
July New Moon - July 17
August New Moon - August 16
September New Moon - September 14
October New Moon - October 14
November New Moon - November 13
December New Moon - December 12
Related: 20 Full Moon Rituals — Harness the Celestial Energy to Improve Your World
Names of the New Moons
New moon names correspond with the names for full moons that were given by the Native Americans and relate to the season that each of the moons falls in.
January: New Snow Moon
February: New Worm Moon
March: New Pink Moon
April: New Flower Moon
May: New Strawberry Moon
June: New Buck Moon
July: New Sturgeon Moon
August: New Blue Moon
September: New Harvest Moon
October: New Hunter's Moon
November: New Beaver Moon
December: New Cold Moon
What Are the Eight Phases of the Moon?
The four major phases of the moon are the new moon, first quarter moon, full moon and last quarter moon. Each of these phases occurs at a specific time. The phases are measured by both the moon’s luminosity and how far along the moon is in its orbit around earth. The new moon has no light, the full moon is all light and each of the quarters is half-light.
Between these four major phases are crescents. A crescent moon happens at the halfway point of each of the other phases. They don't happen at a specific time but include the whole time between two of the main phases. These minor interim phases are called the waxing crescent moon, waxing gibbous moon, waning gibbous moon and waning crescent moon.
Order of Moon Phases
New Moon
Waxing Crescent Moon
First Quarter Moon
Waxing Gibbous Moon
Full Moon
Waning Gibbous Moon
Last Quarter Moon
Waning Cresent Moon
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