Moon phase today explained: What the Moon will look like on January 16, 2025
The Moon is almost completely out of sight as we approach the end of the current lunar cycle. The lunar cycle is a recurring series of eight unique phases of visibility of the Moon, and different phases occur when the Sun illuminates different parts of the Moon as it orbits the Earth. Keep reading to find out what’s tonight’s phase.
What is the phase of the Moon today?
Since Friday January 16, the phase of the Moon is the waning crescent. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 5% of the Moon will be illuminated tonight.
Unfortunately, visibility is too low to spot anything on the Moon this evening.
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?
The phases of the Moon make up the lunar cycle, which NASA says lasts about 29.5 days, the time it takes for the Moon to complete a complete orbit around Earth. As the Moon moves around our planet, it goes through eight distinct phases. Even though the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the amount of sunlight illuminating it changes depending on its position in its orbit. This is why the Moon can appear full, partially lit, or completely dark at different times in the cycle. The eight phases of 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.
