How to View the Third Quarter Moon phase Jan 10 2026

Tonight's sky features a celestial split-screen. As of Saturday, Jan 10, 2026, the moon has reached its Third Quarter phase. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, exactly 51% of the lunar surface will be illuminated tonight, offering a striking contrast between silver light and deep shadow.

Viewing Guide for the Jan 10 2026 Third Quarter Moon

There's plenty to see whether you're using high-tech gear or just your eyes. With the naked eye, you can easily spot the Mare Imbrium and the prominent Copernicus Crater. If you've got binoculars, the Grimaldi Basin comes into focus. For those with a telescope, it's a perfect night to aim for the Apollo 14 landing site and the unique Schiller Crater, which are currently visible under the current lighting.

The 29.5-Day Lunar Journey

NASA explains that the moon takes about 29.5 days to complete its orbit. While we always see the same side, the sun's angle changes constantly. We're currently in the waning half of the cycle; while the last full moon occurred on Jan 3, we aren't going to see the next one until Feb 1. The moon moves through eight distinct phases, like a cosmic clock marking the passage of the month.