The Moon will be in its Waning Crescent phase tonight, January 11. This phase marks the final stage before the upcoming New Moon, indicating the end of the current lunar cycle, which spans approximately 29.5 days. During this time, the Moon orbits the Earth and transitions through all eight phases.
Viewing the Moon Tonight
As the Moon reaches its Waning Crescent phase, approximately 42% of its surface will be illuminated. Stargazers can view notable features on the Moon’s surface without any visual aids. Observers should be able to spot the Aristarchus Plateau, Kepler Crater, and Tycho Crater simply by looking up into the night sky.
For those equipped with binoculars, additional features such as the Grimaldi Basin, Clavius Crater, and Mare Humorum become visible. A telescope enhances the experience further, revealing details like the Apollo 12 landing site and the Schiller Crater.
Understanding Moon Phases
The lunar cycle is divided into eight main phases, each defined by the Moon’s position relative to the Earth and the Sun. These phases include:
- New Moon: The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, rendering it invisible.
- Waxing Crescent: A small sliver of light appears on the right side.
- First Quarter: Half of the Moon is lit on the right side.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half is illuminated, but it is not yet full.
- Full Moon: The entire face of the Moon is visible.
- Waning Gibbous: The Moon begins to lose light on the right side.
- Third Quarter: Another half-Moon, but the left side is now lit.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before the Moon goes dark again.
According to NASA, the consistent movement of the Moon around the Earth causes the changes in illumination that we observe, with the same side consistently facing our planet. The next Full Moon will occur on February 1, following the last Full Moon on January 3.
As lunar enthusiasts prepare for tonight’s view, they are reminded of the beauty and wonder of our closest celestial neighbor. Whether with the naked eye or with the aid of instruments, the Moon continues to captivate stargazers around the world.
