Moon phase today explained: What the Moon will look like on January 12, 2025
The Moon is in its waning crescent phase, which means it is less than half visible. Soon there will be nothing left to see. But for now, there is still enough light for us to see some features on its surface. Keep reading to find out what you can spot.
What is the phase of the Moon today?
Since Monday January 12, the phase of the Moon is the waning crescent. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 33% of the Moon will be illuminated tonight.
This evening, with the naked eye, you should be able to see the Oceanus Procellarum plateau and the Kepler crater. If you have binoculars, you will also be able to see the Grimaldi Bassin and the Mare Humorum. If you’re lucky enough to have a telescope in your kit, it will help you see all of this as well as the Apollo 12 landing spot and Schiller Crater.
When will the next Full Moon take place?
The next Full Moon will take place on February 1st. The last full moon took place on January 3.
What are the phases of the Moon?
According to NASA, the Moon takes about 29.5 days to complete one complete orbit, a period known as the lunar cycle. As it moves around Earth, the Moon goes through a series of eight distinct phases. The same side of the Moon always faces our planet, but the sunlight hitting it changes depending on its position in its orbit. This is why the Moon can appear fully lit, partially lit, or completely dark at different times. The eight phases that make up the lunar cycle are:
New Moon – The Moon sits between the Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it’s invisible to the naked eye).
Crushable speed of light
Waxed Crescent – A small burst of light appears on the right side (northern hemisphere).
First Quarter – Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Gibbous Decline – 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 lit.
Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before turning dark again.
