This Monday, May 18, 2026, the Moon is in the New phase, a stage that marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle. According to the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), the satellite officially entered this phase last Saturday, May 16th, at 5:03 pm. Since then, the star has remained with low visible light in the sky and gradually begins its growth process until the arrival of the Crescent phase, scheduled for May 23, at 8:12 am.

The New Moon occurs when the satellite is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. In this configuration, the part illuminated by sunlight faces the opposite side of our planet, making the Moon practically invisible to observers terrestrial. Despite this, it remains present in the sky, only with its illuminated face hidden from our perspective.

Scientific aspects of the New Moon

In the New phase, the observed illumination of the Earth reaches the minimum level of the cycle. At many times, the Moon becomes practically imperceptible in the night sky, especially because it rises and sets almost with the Sun. This makes its observation with the naked eye quite difficult in the first days of this phase.

Another important aspect is that the New Moon is associated with the so-called spring tides, when the gravitational force of the Moon and the Sun acts in an aligned manner on the oceans, contributing to more intense tides. This phase also has astronomical relevance because it is the only period in which solar eclipses can occur, as long as there is sufficient alignment between Earth, Moon and Sun.

Best period to observe stars and celestial phenomena

The Nova phase is considered one of the most favorable for astronomical observations in general. As the Moon practically does not illuminate the sky, there is less visual interference during the early hours of the morning, increasing the clarity of stars, nebulae, clusters and even the sky. Milky Way in regions far from urban centers.

This period is also often used by astronomical photographers, as the absence of lunar brightness allows for more detailed images of the deep sky to be captured. Additionally, meteor showers and other astronomical phenomena become more visible during nights close to the New Moon.

New Moon symbolizes new beginnings and new cycles

In different cultures around the worldthe New Moon is often associated with new beginnings, renewal and planning. This happens because it represents the symbolic beginning of a new lunar cycle, a moment in which luminosity gradually begins to return to the sky.

Historically, several civilizations used the phases of the Moon to organize calendars, agricultural activities and religious rituals. Even today, many people relate the New Moon to periods of introspection, goal setting and preparation for future changes.

Despite the cultural and spiritual meanings attributed to the phase, scientifically the New Moon remains a natural phenomenon explained exclusively by the orbital movement between Earth, Sun and Moon. Even so, its discreet presence and the beginning of a new cycle continue to arouse fascination and curiosity in sky observers around the world.