Only 2% Illuminated: Your Guide to the Moon Phase on January 17 2026
Check the moon phase for January 17, 2026. With only 2% illumination in the Waning Crescent phase, discover NASA's insights and the countdown to the Feb 1 Full Moon.
Can you see the moon tonight? It's highly unlikely. As of Saturday, January 17, 2026, the moon has entered its Waning Crescent phase. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, only 2% of the lunar surface is illuminated, making it nearly invisible against the dark sky.
Understanding the Moon Phase on January 17 2026
We're currently approaching the New Moon, the point where the moon disappears from our view entirely. This follows a cycle that started with the last full moon on January 3. Because the visibility is so low right now, stargazers might find the sky exceptionally dark, providing an excellent opportunity to view distant stars without lunar light interference.
The 29.5-Day Lunar Journey
The moon takes about 29.5 days to complete a full orbit around Earth. During this trip, it passes through eight distinct phases. While the same side always faces us, the amount of sunlight it reflects changes constantly. After tonight's thin crescent, the next Full Moon is scheduled to arrive on February 1.
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