The Moon is currently in its waning gibbous phase, meaning more than half of its visible surface is illuminated. As of today, January 8, 2025, roughly 71% of the Moon will be lit up, making it easily observable in the night sky. This is part of a natural cycle that has been tracked for millennia, and understanding it helps connect us to the rhythms of our solar system.
What You Can See Tonight
Even without specialized equipment, you can spot prominent lunar features like the Mares Serenitatis and Vaporum, as well as the Tycho Crater. Binoculars will reveal more detail, including the Gassendi and Alphonsus Craters, plus the Mare Nectaris. For serious observers, a telescope can show the Apollo 15 landing site, the Caucasus Mountains, and the Descartes Highlands. These details aren’t just beautiful—they’re evidence of the Moon’s violent past, shaped by asteroid impacts and volcanic activity.
The Lunar Cycle Explained
The Moon orbits Earth approximately every 29.5 days, completing a full cycle of phases. This is why it appears to change shape over time. The sunlight hitting the Moon’s surface varies depending on its position in orbit relative to Earth and the Sun. Here’s a breakdown of the eight main phases:
- New Moon: Invisible from Earth, as the lit side faces away from us.
- Waxing Crescent: A small sliver of light appears, growing each night.
- First Quarter: Half of the Moon is lit, appearing as a perfect semicircle.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half lit, but not yet full.
- Full Moon: The entire visible surface is illuminated, bright and round.
- Waning Gibbous: Light begins to fade on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
- Third Quarter (Last Quarter): The opposite half is lit compared to the First Quarter.
- Waning Crescent: A final sliver of light remains before disappearing again.
When’s the Next Full Moon?
The next full moon will occur on February 1st, following a previous full moon on January 3rd. Tracking these cycles has been important for navigation, agriculture, and cultural traditions for centuries, and remains a compelling astronomical event today.
Understanding the Moon’s phases isn’t just about knowing what to look for in the sky; it’s about appreciating a fundamental part of our planet’s relationship with its nearest celestial neighbor.
