Moon Approaches New Phase Ahead of February 17 Annular Solar Eclipse
On February 16, 2026, the Moon is in its waning crescent phase, with minimal illumination, preceding the New Moon and an upcoming annular solar eclipse.
On February 16, 2026, the Moon is in its waning crescent phase, with approximately 1% illumination. This phase occurs just before the New Moon, which is set for February 17 at 12:01 UTC.
The New Moon phase marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle, during which the Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, rendering it nearly invisible from Earth. This alignment will coincide with an annular solar eclipse on February 17, visible primarily from parts of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
The Moon's phases result from its 29.5-day orbit around Earth, during which varying portions of its sunlit side become visible. These phases include New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.
The upcoming Full Moon is scheduled for March 3, 2026.