Title: Catching the Wolf Moon and Mars' Red Glow: Timing the 2025 Full Moon and Eclipse
Get ready to witness the first full moon of winter and 2025, famously known as the Wolf Moon, captivating the evening skies on Tuesday, January 14. While it officially turns full at 5:28 p.m. EST on Monday, January 13, the mesmerizing moment of its grand entrance will unfold during sunset, emerging draped in ethereal hues of orange, yellow, and even pink, as it brushes against the eastern horizon.
Nicknamed the Wolf Moon, Old Moon, Ice Moon, and Snow Moon, this radiant celestial event will occupy the constellation of Gemini in January. Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know about the Wolf Moon, including timings, best views, and how to make the most of this cosmic spectacle:
When is the Wolf Moon?
The Wolf Moon will boast its full glory at 5:28 p.m. EST on Monday, January 13, 2025. However, the most captivating sight will unfold during moonrise on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
Best Time to View the Full Wolf Moon
To fully appreciate the grandeur of the full Wolf Moon, witness it when it rises on the eastern horizon, just after the sun sets in the west. The moon will appear more prominent and striking, offering a muted orange glow. Depending on your location, the optimal viewing time will be a few minutes post-moonrise.
In North America, the duration between sunset and moonrise is relatively substantial, while Europe gets a better chance to witness a rising full moon.
Tuesday, January 14:
- In New York, sunset will occur at 4:52 p.m. EST, and moonrise will appear at 5:40 p.m. EST.
- In Los Angeles, sunset will take place at 5:05 p.m. PST, and moonrise will unfold at 6:04 p.m. PST.
- In London, sunset is at 4:19 p.m. GMT, and moonrise occurs at 4:44 p.m. GMT.
How to Observe the Full Wolf Moon
To obtain the best views, head to a high vantage point that faces east or visit an east-facing coast, offering a clear view of the horizon and the enchanting Wolf Moon, under clear skies. Unaided eyes are sufficient, though binoculars will provide an exquisite close-up.
Wolf Moon Occulting Mars
While the rising of the Wolf Moon will offer its peak performance during dusk on Tuesday, January 14, the previous night will be graced with a near-full moon occulting Mars. This awe-inspiring cosmic event will be most prominent high in the sky, with North America gaining a mesmerizing view of the reddish dot accompanying the moon. In the U.K., Mars may be visible to the naked eye under clear skies, but a telescope might be needed for an optimal viewing experience.
To pinpoint the optimal viewing time and location, visit in-the-sky.org for a helpful map. Mars’ disappearance (ingress) and reappearance (egress) will take place for approximately an hour.
Why the Wolf Moon Hangs High
January 2025 will witness the highest-hanging full moon of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This arises due to the moon mirroring the sun's low path across the sky during the winter solstice, with a full moon serving as the counterpart to the sun, making it the highest full moon of the year. The Wolf Moon will also remain in the night sky for a more extended period than any other full moon this year.
Next Full Moon
The Wolf Moon will be eclipsed by the full Snow Moon at 5:41 p.m. EST on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, marking the second full moon of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
As you patiently await the celestial sighting, keep your eyes peeled, gaze skyward, and prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the radiant Wolf Moon, accompanied by Mars' captivating presence. Happy stargazing!
Is tonight a full moon? Yes, the full moon, known as the Wolf Moon, will reach its peak on January 13 at 5:28 p.m. EST, although the most captivating sight will be during moonrise on January 14.
When was the last full moon? The last full moon before the Wolf Moon, in 2025, was likely some time in late December 2024 or early January 2025.
What is the full moon calendar 2025? The full moon calendar for 2025 includes the Wolf Moon on January 13-14, the Snow Moon on February 12, the Worm Moon on March 13, the Pink Moon on April 11, the Flower Moon on May 10, the Strawberry Moon on June 9, the Buck Moon on July 8, the Sturgeon Moon on August 16, the Harvest Moon on September 14, the Hunter's Moon on October 13, the Beaver Moon on November 12, and the Cold Moon or Long Night Moon on December 11.
When is the next full moon after the Wolf Moon? The next full moon in 2025 is the Snow Moon, occurring on February 12 at 5:41 p.m. EST.
