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Lunar phase
New Moon
The Moon leaves the night at its darkest—ideal for faint galaxies, nebulae, and meteor watching.
DateWednesday, August 12, 2026
Local time20:37
VisibilityExcellent
LocationWorldwide event
What to know
Dark-sky opportunityAll nightNaked eye
How this was calculated
Astronomical calculation
- Source
- Astronomy Engine
- Method
- Apparent positions calculated from VSOP87 and NOVAS-based models.
- Accuracy and limits
- Times are suitable for observing plans; local horizons, terrain, and atmospheric refraction can shift first or last visibility.
What you will actually see
This lunar phase creates a useful dark-sky opportunity for faint objects, provided the weather and local light pollution also cooperate.
Where to lookUse the darkest part of your sky and shield your eyes from nearby lights.
What to bringNaked eye or binoculars; a small telescope helps with galaxies, nebulae, and clusters.
Prepare for the event
- Choose a darker site than your normal city location if possible.
- Check the cloud forecast again close to the date.
- Prepare a short list of faint targets before going outside.
How to observe it
- Allow 20–30 minutes for dark adaptation.
- Start with large, easy star patterns before moving to faint targets.
- Use averted vision—look slightly beside a faint object—to improve contrast.