Moon Phase Tonight: Observing the Waning Gibbous on January 8, 2026
Discover the Moon phase for January 8, 2026. A 71% lit Waning Gibbous offers clear views of Tycho Crater and the Apollo 15 landing site.
The night sky holds a familiar yet shifting glow tonight. As of Thursday, January 8, 2026, the Moon has entered its Waning Gibbous phase. It's more than half-lit, meaning there's plenty of detail to spot even without professional gear.
Viewing the Waning Gibbous Moon on January 8, 2026
According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, exactly 71% of the lunar surface is illuminated tonight. This phase is perfect for identifying major landmarks that become washed out during a full moon.
- Naked Eye: Spot the Mare Serenitatis and the prominent Tycho Crater.
- Binoculars: Reveal the Gassendi and Alphonsus Craters.
- Telescopes: Look for the Apollo 15 landing site and the Caucasus Mountains.
Decoding the 29.5-Day Lunar Cycle
The Moon takes roughly 29.5 days to orbit Earth. Since the last Full Moon occurred on January 3, we are now seeing the light retreat from the right side. Stargazers should mark their calendars for the next Full Moon on February 1.
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