Tonight's 95% Glow: Moon Phase January 5 2026 Guide

Look up tonight. Even though the full moon has passed, 95% of the moon is still illuminated. It's a perfect time for stargazers to catch the moon in its powerful waning gibbous phase.

Moon Phase January 5 2026: The Waning Journey

As of Monday, January 5, 2026, the moon has entered the Waning Gibbous phase. According to The Sky Live, the sunlit portion of the moon is slowly decreasing. After peaking as a full moon, it’s now beginning its journey toward darkness again.

Mark your calendars: the next Full Moon won’t arrive until February 1. NASA experts explain that the lunar cycle takes approximately 29.5 days to complete. While the same side of the moon always faces Earth, the way the sun hits its surface creates the eight distinct phases we see throughout the month.

The 8 Phases of the Lunar Cycle

Understanding the moon's movement helps us stay connected to the environment. NASA breaks down the cycle into eight specific stages that define our night sky.

• New Moon: Invisible to the eye as it sits between Earth and the sun.
• Waxing Crescent: A sliver of light appears on the right.
• First Quarter: A half-moon with the right side lit.
• Waxing Gibbous: Most of the moon is bright but not yet full.
• Full Moon: The entire face is illuminated.
• Waning Gibbous: Tonight’s phase, where the light begins to fade.
• Third Quarter: Another half-moon, now lit on the left side.
• Waning Crescent: A final thin sliver of light on the left.