The exact moment is 9:23 PM EDT on March 18, 2026 (which is 01:23 UTC on March 19). Multiple sources like timeanddate.com, Cafe Astrology, Space.com, and others confirm this precise timing in Eastern Daylight Time.Since your query mentions "4 minutes," we're currently at approximately 9:19 PM EDT (or very close to it), with the conjunction (true New Moon, 0% illumination) occurring in just those few minutes at 9:23 PM.Right before 9:23 PM: The Moon is in the final waning crescent phase (illumination ~0.3–1%, extremely thin and hard to see).
At exactly 9:23 PM EDT: It reaches perfect alignment with the Sun (New Moon).
After that: It officially starts the waxing crescent phase, though the Moon remains invisible tonight due to its proximity to the Sun.
MEOW