Ever wonder what the Moon will look like on a specific night? Let's cut right to the chase: on January 22, 2025, the Moon will be making a comeback after the New Moon, entering a phase called the Waxing Crescent! It's only four days into the new lunar cycle, so the Moon will be just a sliver of light, but it's there! Keep reading to discover exactly what you can expect to see with your own eyes (and maybe a little help from some binoculars!).
So, what's the Moon's phase on January 22, 2025, exactly?
As of Thursday, January 22nd, the Moon will be in its Waxing Crescent phase. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, approximately 14% of the Moon's surface will be illuminated by the sun. That means it will appear as a thin, curved sliver in the night sky. Now, 14% might not sound like much, but it's enough to make the Moon visible and a beautiful sight to behold!
What can you see with your naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope?
Even without any special equipment, you should be able to spot the Crisium and Fecunditatis mares. "Mare," (plural maria) by the way, is Latin for "sea." Don't expect actual water, though! These are large, dark, basaltic plains formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. They appear darker than the surrounding highlands. But here's where it gets controversial... some people find it hard to distinguish the maria with the naked eye during the Waxing Crescent phase. What do you think? Have you ever been able to spot them with just your eyes?
If you have binoculars or a telescope handy, you'll have a much better chance of seeing finer details. You might even be able to catch a glimpse of the Endymion Crater. This crater is located near the northeastern limb of the Moon and is characterized by its dark floor and terraced walls.
Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Full Moon
If you're a fan of the Full Moon, you won't have to wait too long! The next Full Moon will grace the sky on February 1st. The last Full Moon prior to this Waxing Crescent occurred on January 3rd. (Sometimes called the Wolf Moon!).
Understanding Moon Phases: A Beginner's Guide
Moon phases are simply the different shapes the Moon appears to have as it orbits Earth. NASA tells us that the entire lunar cycle, from one New Moon to the next, takes about 29.5 days. This is the time it takes for the Moon to complete one full orbit around our planet. And this is the part most people miss... The Moon doesn't produce its own light! We see the Moon because it reflects sunlight. As the Moon travels around Earth, different amounts of its sunlit surface become visible to us, creating the phases.
The Moon always shows us the same side (a phenomenon called tidal locking), but the amount of that side that's lit up by the sun changes. Think of it like shining a flashlight on a ball. As you move the ball, different portions are illuminated.
Here's a quick rundown of the eight main Moon phases:
- New Moon: The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun. The side facing us is not lit, so the Moon is essentially invisible.
- Waxing Crescent: A tiny sliver of light appears on the right side of the Moon (in the 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 of the Moon is lit, but it's not quite a Full Moon yet.
- Full Moon: The entire face of the Moon is illuminated.
- Waning Gibbous: The Moon starts to lose light on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
- Third Quarter (or Last Quarter): Another half-moon, but this time the left side is lit.
- Waning Crescent: Only a thin sliver of light remains on the left side before the Moon goes dark again.
So, there you have it! On January 22, 2025, look up and see if you can spot that Waxing Crescent. Will you be able to make out the maria? Let us know in the comments below!
