It’s almost a new lunar phase, with the Moon one night away from the First Quarter. This means that just under half of the Moon is illuminated tonight.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of Monday, Jan. 26, the Moon phase is First Quarter. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 54% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.
Half of the Moon is illuminated tonight, so there’s plenty surface area to look for features. With just your naked, you should be able to spot the Crisum, Serenitatis and Vaporum mares. If you have binoculars you’ll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Apennine Mountains, Alphonsus Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. There’s even more to see with a telescope, including the Apollo 11 and 15 landing spots and the Rupes Altai.
When is the next Full Moon?
The next Full Moon will be on Feb. 1. The last full moon was on Jan. 3.
What are Moon phases?
NASA tells us the lunar cycle lasts about 29.5 days, which is how long the Moon takes to travel once around Earth. Over that period, it passes through eight recognised phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces our planet, the portion that appears lit changes as the Moon moves along its orbit. The varying amount of sunlight reaching the Moon is what makes it appear full, partially illuminated, or almost invisible at different points in the cycle. The eight lunar phases are:
New Moon – The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it’s invisible to the eye).
Mashable Light Speed
Waxing Crescent – A small sliver 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 up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon – The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon starts losing 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 going dark again.
