This evening, the Moon is still diminishing, revealing a smaller portion of its sunlit surface from Earth compared to the last night. The lit section will continue to shrink until the New Moon.

What is the moon phase today?

As of Monday, Jan. 5, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous. Per The Sky Live, 95% of the moon will be illuminated tonight.

When will the next full moon occur?

The upcoming full moon is set for Feb. 1.

What are the phases of the moon?

NASA clarifies that the Moon completes a total orbit of its phases in roughly 29.5 days, referred to as the lunar cycle. As the Moon revolves around Earth, it experiences a sequence of phases. The same face of the Moon consistently points towards Earth, but the sunlit area shifts according to its orbital position. This variation in sunlight results in the Moon appearing fully lit, partially illuminated, or entirely dark at different intervals. The lunar cycle comprises eight phases:

New Moon – The moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, rendering the visible side dark (invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent – A small beam of light emerges 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 illuminated, yet it’s not completely full.

Full Moon – The full surface of the moon is illuminated and distinctly visible.

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

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

Waning Crescent – A narrow sliver of light stays on the left side before it returns to darkness.