The Moon alters its appearance each night as it advances through its cycle. This evening, it is in the waning gibbous phase, indicating that it is more than half illuminated, providing ample sights to see in the sky.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Thursday, Jan. 8, the Moon phase is Waning Gibbous. Per NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 71% of the Moon will be illuminated this evening.

Even without visual equipment, there is a lot to observe tonight, including the Mares Serenitatis and Vaporum, along with the Tycho Crater. With binoculars, you can also view the Gassendi and Alphonsus Craters, as well as the Mare Nectaris. A telescope will uncover even more details, like the Apollo 15 landing site, the Caucasus Mountains, and the Descartes Highlands.

When is the next Full Moon?

The upcoming Full Moon will occur on Feb. 1. The previous full moon took place on Jan. 3.

What are Moon phases?

NASA describes that the Moon takes roughly 29.5 days to finish one full orbit, known as the lunar cycle. While orbiting Earth, the Moon transitions through specific phases. Although the same side of the Moon consistently faces Earth, the sunlight illuminating it varies according to its orbital position. This results in the Moon appearing fully lit, partially lit, or completely dark at different intervals. The lunar cycle encompasses eight primary phases:

New Moon – The Moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, thus the side we observe is dark (invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light becomes visible on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter – Half of the Moon is illuminated on the right side, resembling a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit up, but it is not yet full.

Full Moon – The entire surface of the Moon is illuminated and completely visible.

Waning Gibbous – The Moon begins to lose light on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon, but the left side is now illuminated.

Waning Crescent – A narrow sliver of light lingers on the left side before it goes dark again.