It’s almost a new moon, which means we’re approaching a night when no moon will shine. You may think that it is tonight, but believe it or not, there is a small sliver of light emanating from it. Read on to find out how much of the moon is on display tonight.
What is the phase of the moon today?
Starting Saturday, January 17, the moon phase will be a waning crescent. according to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide2% of the moon will be illuminated tonight.
Since we are so close to the new moon (the night when the moon appears completely dark from Earth), visibility is too low to see anything.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon will be on February 1st. The last full moon was on January 3rd.
What are the phases of the moon?
The phases of the moon make up the lunar cycle, which NASA It lasts about 29.5 days, which is the time it takes the Moon to complete a full orbit around the Earth. As the Moon travels around our planet, it goes through eight distinct phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the amount of sunlight illuminating it changes depending on its position in orbit. For this reason, the Moon can appear full, partially lit, or completely dark at different points in the cycle. The eight phases of the lunar cycle are:
New Moon – The Moon is located between the Earth and the Sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it is not visible to the eye).
Speed of light mashable
Waxing Crescent – A small patch of light appears on the right side (northern hemisphere).
First quarter – half of the moon is illuminated on the right side. It looks like a half moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half lit, but not quite full yet.
Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is fully illuminated and visible.
Waning Gibbous – The moon begins to lose light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half moon, but the left side is now lit.
Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before it darkens again.