Get ready for a cosmic spectacle this January! The Wolf Moon, also known as the Cold Moon or Ice Moon, is expected to appear full on Monday evening. But that’s not all – Mars will pass in front of the moon, creating a rare celestial magic trick.
The full moon will be at peak illumination at 5:27 p.m. ET on Monday and will remain visible until Wednesday morning. The moon will also appear as part of a celestial triangle in the sky with Mars to its lower left and the bright star Pollux above it.
This January’s full moon has multiple names, including the Wolf Moon from the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Cold Moon by the Cherokee people, and the Whirling Wind Moon by the Passamaquoddy tribe. It also coincides with the beginning of the Hindu pilgrimage and festival of Prayag Kumbh Mela in India.
Mars will be at opposition this month, meaning it’s directly opposite the sun from Earth’s perspective. As a result, Mars will appear at its closest and brightest on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, four bright planets – Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars – will be visible in the night sky, creating a planetary parade.
Don’t miss these events:
* Full moons: Snow Moon (February 12), Worm Moon (March 14), Pink Moon (April 12)
* Solar and lunar eclipses: Two partial solar eclipses on March 29 and September 21
* Meteor showers: Lyrids (April 21-22), Eta Aquariids (May 3-4), Perseids (August 12-13)
Check out the following websites for more information on these celestial events:
* Time and Date’s website for eclipse locations and viewing times
* American Meteor Society’s website for meteor shower peak dates
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/13/science/full-moon-mars-bright-planets/index.html