Your Definitive Guide to the New Moon in February 2026: Time, Date, and Eclipse Insights
Got a craving to know the exact moment the New Moon graces us in February 2026? You’re in the right place. This isn’t just another lunar cycle; the February 2026 New Moon arrives with an extraordinary companion: an annular solar eclipse. Whether you’re planning for astrological intentions, simply curious about the cosmos, or just want to mark your calendar, we’ve got all the precise details you need. Let’s dive into the celestial schedule and uncover the unique energies this New Moon brings.
The Core Information: When is the New Moon in February 2026?
Let’s get straight to it. The New Moon in February 2026 occurs globally on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This is the moment the Moon is precisely positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it appear invisible from our perspective on Earth. But don’t let its ‘invisibility’ fool you; this phase is brimming with potential.
The Universal Time (UTC)
For those who track celestial events with precision, the New Moon reaches its peak illumination (or rather, its lack thereof) at a specific universal time. This is the baseline from which all other time zones are calculated.
| Event |
Date |
Time (UTC) |
| New Moon |
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 |
12:01 PM UTC |
Remember, UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) is the world’s primary time standard. To find your local New Moon moment, you’ll need to convert from UTC.
US Time Zone Conversions: Your Local New Moon Moment
For our friends across the United States, knowing the UTC isn’t always enough. You want to know exactly when to look up (or rather, when to reflect inwards) from your specific location. Since the US spans multiple time zones, the exact minute the New Moon occurs will shift depending on where you are. Here’s a handy conversion table for the primary US time zones:
| US Time Zone |
Time Offset from UTC |
New Moon Date |
New Moon Time (Local) |
| Eastern Standard Time (EST) |
UTC-5 |
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 |
7:01 AM EST |
| Central Standard Time (CST) |
UTC-6 |
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 |
6:01 AM CST |
| Mountain Standard Time (MST) |
UTC-7 |
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 |
5:01 AM MST |
| Pacific Standard Time (PST) |
UTC-8 |
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 |
4:01 AM PST |
It’s fascinating how a single celestial event can feel so different depending on your longitude, isn’t it? For many, this New Moon will dawn with the early morning light, offering a fresh start to the day and aligning with the ‘new beginnings’ energy this phase is known for.
A Celestial Spectacle: The Annular Solar Eclipse of February 2026
What makes the February 2026 New Moon particularly noteworthy is its synchronicity with an annular solar eclipse. This isn’t a mere coincidence; a solar eclipse *always* occurs during a New Moon. It’s when the Moon’s alignment with the Sun and Earth is so precise that the Moon briefly blocks out the Sun’s light.
What is an Annular Solar Eclipse?
An annular solar eclipse is a specific type of solar eclipse where the Moon is too far from Earth to completely cover the Sun. Instead of a total blackout, a brilliant ring of sunlight, often called a “Ring of Fire,” remains visible around the Moon’s silhouette. Imagine the Sun as a cosmic donut – that’s essentially what you’d see if you were in the path of annularity.
This happens because the Moon’s orbit around Earth is elliptical, meaning its distance from us varies. When an eclipse occurs while the Moon is near its furthest point (apogee), it appears slightly smaller in the sky than the Sun, leading to that distinctive ring.
Where Will the Eclipse Be Visible?
While the New Moon itself is a global event, a solar eclipse’s visibility is highly localized. It’s important to set expectations: the annular solar eclipse of February 17, 2026, will NOT be visible from the United States. The path of annularity for this particular event primarily crosses Antarctica, parts of the South Atlantic, and very limited regions of South America and Africa will experience a partial eclipse.
So, while the cosmic alignment of a New Moon coinciding with an eclipse is powerful globally in terms of energy and symbolism, direct observation of the eclipse phenomenon itself will not be possible for most in North America. Nevertheless, the underlying astronomical alignment still carries significant weight in the astrological and spiritual communities.
Safety First: Observing Any Solar Eclipse
Even if you’re not in the path of the February 2026 eclipse, it’s a crucial reminder for future celestial events: never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection during any solar eclipse, partial or annular. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient. Only certified solar eclipse glasses or viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard should be used. Staring at the Sun, even when partially obscured, can cause permanent eye damage.
Understanding the New Moon: Astronomy and Significance
Beyond the excitement of an eclipse, the New Moon phase itself holds profound meaning, both scientifically and culturally. It’s a fundamental part of our natural rhythm, influencing everything from tides to human emotions.
The Astronomy Behind a New Moon
Astronomically, the New Moon is the beginning of a new lunar cycle. During this phase, the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. This means the side of the Moon facing Earth is not illuminated by the Sun – it’s entirely in shadow. That’s why we can’t see it, or at best, we see a very thin sliver of light just before or after the exact New Moon moment, often called the ‘waxing crescent’ (after) or ‘waning crescent’ (before).
The time it takes for the Moon to cycle from one New Moon to the next is called the synodic month, lasting approximately 29.5 days. This consistent cycle has guided human calendars and agricultural practices for millennia.
Cultural and Astrological Significance of the New Moon
Across various cultures and spiritual traditions, the New Moon is seen as a potent time for new beginnings, fresh starts, and setting intentions. It’s a dark canvas, metaphorically speaking, onto which we can paint our desires and goals for the coming month.
- Reflection & Introspection: The absence of moonlight encourages a turning inward, a quiet space for self-assessment and reflection.
- Planting Seeds: Just as a seed is planted in the dark earth, the New Moon is ideal for ‘planting’ metaphorical seeds of intention, whether for personal growth, career, relationships, or health.
- Manifestation: Many believe that intentions set during the New Moon phase gain momentum as the Moon waxes (grows in light) towards the Full Moon, bringing those intentions closer to fruition.
This particular New Moon’s alignment with a solar eclipse amplifies these energies. Eclipses often symbolize fated events, turning points, and accelerated change. They can shake things up, revealing hidden truths or pushing us towards necessary transformations. So, while the New Moon is always about new beginnings, an eclipse New Moon suggests these new beginnings might be more significant, unexpected, or karmic in nature.
The Added Layer: New Moon in Pisces
Astrologically, the New Moon in February 2026 falls in the compassionate and intuitive water sign of Pisces. Each zodiac sign brings its own flavor to the lunar energies, and Pisces is known for its deep emotional sensitivity, creativity, spirituality, and boundless empathy. This adds another fascinating layer to the February 2026 New Moon:
- Intuition & Dreams: Expect a heightened sense of intuition and vivid dreams. This is a powerful time to listen to your inner voice.
- Compassion & Empathy: The Pisces energy encourages us to connect with our compassion, both for ourselves and for others. It’s a time to release judgment and embrace understanding.
- Creativity & Spirituality: If you’ve been wanting to tap into your artistic side or deepen your spiritual practice, this New Moon provides a supportive backdrop. Meditations, creative projects, and spiritual rituals are particularly potent now.
- Release & Flow: Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac, symbolizing completion and dissolution. It’s a good time to release old patterns, emotional baggage, or anything that no longer serves your highest good, allowing you to flow into new possibilities.
Combined with the eclipse energy, this Pisces New Moon could bring profound emotional insights or sudden spiritual awakenings, prompting you to let go of old illusions and embrace a more authentic path.
Looking Ahead: The Full Lunar Cycle of February 2026 and Beyond
While the New Moon on February 17th is the highlight, it’s just one point in the continuous dance of the Moon. Understanding the full cycle gives you a more holistic view of the lunar energies at play throughout the month. It’s important to note that February 2026, due to its timing, does not contain a Full Moon within its calendar dates. The previous Full Moon was in January, and the next will be in early March.
Key Moon Phases in February 2026
Here’s a snapshot of the major lunar phases you can expect in February 2026, including the New Moon:
| Moon Phase |
Date |
Time (UTC) |
Astrological Sign |
| Last Quarter Moon |
Monday, February 9, 2026 |
~6:00 AM UTC |
Sagittarius |
| New Moon (Annular Solar Eclipse) |
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 |
12:01 PM UTC |
Pisces |
| First Quarter Moon |
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 |
12:27 PM UTC |
Gemini |
Tracking the Moon Throughout 2026
Keeping an eye on the Moon’s phases throughout the year can be a deeply rewarding practice. It helps you attune to natural rhythms, plan activities, and understand the subtle shifts in energy around you. Many find that aligning their intentions with the lunar cycle enhances their manifestation efforts and brings a sense of flow to their lives. As the Moon waxes and wanes, so too do opportunities for growth, release, and celebration.
Practical Ways to Connect with the February 2026 New Moon Energy
Since this New Moon is extra potent due to the eclipse and its placement in Pisces, consider taking some time to intentionally connect with its energies. Here are a few ideas:
- Set Clear Intentions: With the fresh slate of the New Moon, write down what you want to manifest in the coming month or even the year. Be specific and positive. What new habits do you want to form? What dreams do you want to pursue?
- Pisces-Inspired Meditation: Engage in meditation that focuses on intuition, compassion, and spiritual connection. Visualize releasing old emotional wounds and embracing boundless love.
- Journaling for Self-Discovery: Use this time for deep introspection. What emotions are surfacing? What old patterns are you ready to dissolve? The Piscean energy supports deep emotional processing.
- Creative Expression: If you have a creative hobby, dive into it. Pisces rules the arts, so painting, writing, music, or any form of creative expression can be particularly inspired.
- Release Ritual: Write down anything you wish to release – fears, limitations, unhealthy attachments. Then, safely burn the paper (or tear it up and bury it) as a symbolic act of letting go.
Remember, the New Moon’s power lies in its ability to offer a blank slate. Combined with the transformative power of an eclipse and the intuitive depth of Pisces, this is a prime opportunity for profound personal growth and setting the stage for significant changes in your life.
Don’t Miss a Lunar Beat: How to Stay Informed
If you’re fascinated by the Moon and want to keep track of its journey through the sky, there are many excellent resources available:
- Lunar Calendars & Apps: Numerous apps and websites provide detailed lunar calendars, showing all phases, times, and even astrological placements.
- Astronomy Websites: Reputable astronomy sites offer accurate data for moonrise, moonset, and eclipse information.
- Astrology Resources: If you’re interested in the energetic interpretation, follow astrologers and astrological publications that offer insights into specific moon phases.
Staying informed about the Moon’s cycles allows you to harness its natural rhythms, whether for practical planning or spiritual enrichment. The February 2026 New Moon with its accompanying eclipse is a stellar reminder of the Moon’s enduring power and mystery.
This February 2026 New Moon isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a cosmic event layered with astronomical wonder and profound energetic potential. Even though the annular eclipse won’t be visible from the US, its presence amplifies the New Moon’s inherent power for new beginnings and transformation. Take a moment on February 17th to acknowledge this powerful celestial alignment, set your intentions, and embrace the fresh slate it offers. May your new beginnings be as bright and hopeful as the unseen light of the New Moon itself!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a New Moon?
A New Moon is the first lunar phase, occurring when the Moon is positioned directly between the Earth and the Sun. From our perspective, the side of the Moon facing Earth is entirely unilluminated, making it appear invisible in the night sky. It marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle.
Why is the February 2026 New Moon special?
The February 2026 New Moon is particularly special because it coincides with an annular solar eclipse. While the eclipse won’t be visible from the USA, this cosmic alignment amplifies the New Moon’s energies of new beginnings and transformation, making it a powerful time for setting intentions and introspection, especially as it falls in the sign of Pisces.
Will the annular solar eclipse be visible from the USA?
No, the annular solar eclipse of February 17, 2026, will not be visible from the United States. Its path of annularity primarily covers Antarctica and parts of the South Atlantic, with partial phases visible in limited regions of South America and Africa.
What astrological significance does the New Moon in Pisces hold?
When the New Moon is in Pisces, it emphasizes themes of intuition, compassion, spirituality, and creativity. This is a potent time for deep emotional processing, releasing old patterns, connecting with your higher self, and embracing imaginative pursuits. Combined with the eclipse, it can bring fated insights and powerful shifts related to these themes.
How can I best utilize the energy of the February 2026 New Moon?
To best utilize this New Moon’s energy, focus on setting clear intentions for new beginnings, engaging in meditative or journaling practices for self-reflection, practicing compassion for yourself and others, and exploring creative or spiritual pursuits. It’s a powerful time to release what no longer serves you and plant seeds for future growth.
When are the other main moon phases in February 2026?
Besides the New Moon on February 17, 2026 (12:01 PM UTC), February 2026 also includes a Last Quarter Moon on February 9, 2026 (~6:00 AM UTC) and a First Quarter Moon on February 24, 2026 (12:27 PM UTC). There is no Full Moon within the calendar month of February 2026; the next Full Moon occurs in early March.
Is it safe to look at the solar eclipse?
It is never safe to look directly at the Sun during any solar eclipse (partial or annular) without proper, certified eye protection. Staring at the Sun, even when partially obscured, can cause severe and permanent eye damage. Always use ISO 12312-2 compliant solar eclipse glasses or viewers. (However, for the February 2026 eclipse, direct observation is not possible from the USA.)
