Prepare to be amazed by a celestial wonder this week! But will you be one of the lucky few to witness it?
The crescent moon, a breathtaking sight, often goes unseen due to poor timing and cloudy skies. However, the upcoming week presents a golden opportunity to catch a glimpse of this monthly marvel. From Monday, January 19th, a young moon will grace the west-southwest sky at twilight, and it will grow more prominent each night. But here's the twist: it's illuminated by 'Earthshine,' the sunlight reflected from Earth's dayside, creating a mesmerizing glow.
Here's a night-by-night guide to this week's celestial spectacle:
- Monday, Jan. 19: A razor-thin, 1% lit waxing crescent moon will appear just after sunset. This will be a test for experienced skywatchers, so binoculars are recommended.
- Tuesday, Jan. 20: The moon, now 4% lit, will be easier to spot. This is the night when anyone can witness a stunning sight in the night sky. The night side will be gently illuminated by Earthshine, a subtle beauty that might require binoculars to fully appreciate.
- Wednesday, Jan. 21: A 10% lit waxing crescent moon will dance close to Saturn in the twilight sky, forming a breathtaking duo above the horizon.
- Thursday, Jan. 22: The 17% lit moon will glow beneath Saturn as it ascends higher after dark. Earthshine will still be visible, but it will compete with the brightening limb.
- Friday, Jan. 23: On the final night of their celestial rendezvous, the 26% lit moon will appear to leap over Saturn.
- Saturday, Jan. 24: The moon, now 36% lit and closer to half-lit, will hang higher in the sky, with Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, sparkling to the southeast.
2026 is shaping up to be a year of lunar abundance, with 13 full moons, including three supermoons and a rare 'blue moon.' The year started with a bang on Jan. 3, featuring a dramatic wolf moon supermoon, followed by a snow moon on Feb. 1. May will be a double treat, with two full moons, one of which will be the 'blue moon.'
But here's where it gets controversial: The moon will also be a key player in several other significant celestial events. Two lunar eclipses will captivate skywatchers, with a total lunar eclipse on Mar. 3 turning the moon into a 'blood moon.' Additionally, two more supermoons are on the horizon, with the Dec. 23 supermoon being the closest since 2019. And that's not all; the moon will also dance with planets like Venus, Jupiter, and Mars in a series of stunning conjunctions.
For more celestial insights, check out these Forbes articles by Jamie Carter: 'Your Ultimate Guide to Stargazing and Astronomy in 2026,' 'Your Full Moon Guide for 2026,' and 'A Wolf Moon Rises with the Seven Sisters.'
Are you ready to embark on this week's celestial adventure? Will you be one of the few to catch the crescent moon's fleeting beauty? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
