We’re almost at the midpoint of the month, nearing the conclusion of the lunar cycle. It’s day 24, signaling that the moon is slowly diminishing. By day 29, it will be entirely obscured.

There’s still an opportunity to catch a sight tonight, so take any viewing tools and venture outside to see what you can witness.

What is the Moon phase today?

As of Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Moon phase is Waning Crescent. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 24% of the Moon will be illuminated this evening.

If you don’t have any viewing tools, no need to fret; you can still observe features with just your eyes, such as the Kepler Crater and the Oceanus Procellarum. Binoculars will allow you to see these, along with the Grimaldi Basin and the Mare Humorum. Those with a telescope will be able to see all of this, plus additional sights like the Apollo 12 landing site and the Schiller Crater.

When will the next Full Moon be?

The upcoming Full Moon is set for Feb. 1. The previous full moon occurred on Jan. 3.

What are the phases of the Moon?

As per NASA, the Moon completes a full orbit in approximately 29.5 days, which is referred to as the lunar cycle. While orbiting Earth, the Moon experiences eight distinct phases. One side of the Moon constantly faces Earth, but the illumination changes due to its orbital position. This variation results in the Moon appearing fully illuminated, partially illuminated, or entirely dark at different intervals. The eight phases of the lunar cycle are:

New Moon – The Moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, rendering it invisible.

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

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

Waxing Gibbous – Over half is lit, but it hasn’t reached full brightness yet.

Full Moon – The entire surface of the Moon is illuminated.

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

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

Waning Crescent – A narrow slice of light remains on the left side before it fades to darkness again.