In January, celestial enthusiasts should prepare for a stellar event, particularly on the evening of Monday, when the “Wolf Moon,” the first full moon of the year, will be on display. This month’s full moon provides not just a delightful spectacle but also a unique opportunity—a cosmic magic trick of sorts, wherein the moon will appear to pass in front of the planet Mars, offering a visual treat for those who look up at the night sky.
The peak illumination of the Wolf Moon is set for 5:27 PM ET on Monday, though the full moon will remain visible and appear full until Wednesday morning. For viewers across the continental United States, eastern Canada, and selected areas of Africa and Mexico, the evening twilight ending at 6:11 PM ET will allow for the best views. In this enchanting celestial scene, Mars will be positioned just to the lower left of the moon, while the bright star Pollux will appear a few degrees above it.
For those keen on observing Mars’ passing behind the moon, the timing varies. On the US East Coast, those planning to gaze at Mars should track its disappearance around 9:16 PM ET, with its reappearance on the upper right of the moon slated for 10:31 PM ET. This captivating display is the kind of magic that astronomy aficionados live for.
January’s full moon garners the name “Wolf Moon,” famously attributed to the howling wolves that are common during this cold winter month, a reference echoed by The Old Farmer’s Almanac. This naming tradition can be traced back to the Sioux language, referring to this moon as “wolves run together.” However, it’s interesting to note that this wintry full moon has a variety of alternative names: the Cherokee refer to it as the “Cold Moon,” while the Lakota call it the “Hard Moon,” and the Passamaquoddy tribe names it the “Whirling Wind Moon.” European traditions also have names for January’s moon, such as the “Ice Moon,” “Old Moon,” or the “Moon after Yule,” connecting to pre-Christian winter solstice festivals.
In addition to local traditions, January’s full moon corresponds with significant cultural and religious observances. It marks the commencement of the Prayag Kumbh Mela, a 44-day Hindu pilgrimage celebrated every 12 years in Prayagraj, India.
As the full moon traverses the sky, stargazers are urged to bundle up if they are in the Northern Hemisphere, ensuring comfort while enjoying this spectacular sight. Following the moon’s enchanting dance, viewers can anticipate Mars shining its brightest on Wednesday as the planet reaches opposition—its position directly opposite the sun from Earth’s perspective, illuminating the celestial body for optimal viewing.
Beyond Mars, the sky this month presents a panorama of brilliance with four other bright planets: Venus and Saturn will be visible in the southwest, while Jupiter presides overhead and Mars graces the east. These celestial bodies will appear to rotate westward around the prominent star Polaris, making their presence known each night.
As the month progresses, the proximity of Venus and Saturn will create an eye-catching conjunction where they seem to draw closer together, a phenomenon of cosmic visuals that many find captivating. Observers may also spot Uranus and Neptune, although these distant planets will require binoculars or telescopes for visibility.
While aligning planets may appear unusual, it’s essential to remember that celestial bodies predominantly maintain a linear pathway across the night sky due to their orbital arrangements. The ecliptic—a flat plane in which these planets orbit the sun—dictates their appearance, forming visible alignments.
In summary, as the Wolf Moon casts its glow on January’s night sky, stargazers should seize the opportunity this month presents, planning to enjoy not just the full moon but also the spectacular celestial displays that accompany it. Upcoming lunar and solar events, including the Snow Moon in February and the Worm Moon in March, are milestones to look forward to. Keep an eye on your calendars, for there will be more wonders to behold in the coming months!
