The Moon is currently in the Waning Crescent phase, indicating that it is less than half illuminated. Soon, it will become entirely invisible. Nevertheless, for the time being, there is still sufficient light to observe certain features on its surface. Keep reading to find out what you can see.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of Monday, Jan. 12, the Moon phase is Waning Crescent. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 33% of the Moon will be visible tonight.
This evening, with the naked eye, you should be able to view the Oceanus Procellarum Plateau and the Kepler Crater. If you have binoculars, you can also spot the Grimaldi Basin and the Mare Humorum. If you’re lucky enough to have a telescope, it will allow you to see everything mentioned plus the Apollo 12 landing site and the Schiller Crater.
When is the next Full Moon?
The upcoming Full Moon will take place on Feb. 1. The last Full Moon occurred on Jan. 3.
What are Moon phases?
According to NASA, the Moon requires about 29.5 days to complete a full orbit, referred to as the lunar cycle. As it travels around Earth, the Moon undergoes eight distinct phases. The same side of the Moon consistently faces Earth, but the sunlight illuminating it changes based on its orbital position. This is the reason the Moon can seem fully illuminated, partially illuminated, or entirely dark at various times. The eight phases of the lunar cycle are:
New Moon – The Moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, leaving the side we can see dark (invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of brightness appears 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 hasn’t reached fullness yet.
Full Moon – The complete face of the Moon is lit and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon begins to lose light on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon, but this time the left side is illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A slender sliver of light remains on the left side before it becomes dark again.