Here's how to see the first full ‘Wolf’ moon of 2025
The first full moon of 2025 is fast approaching, nicknamed the "Wolf Moon" for howling wolves that are active on cold, January nights.
The moon will actually appear full for about three days, according to NASA.
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Here’s when it will reach peak illumination and other things to know:
When is the full ‘wolf’ moon?
The phases of the Moon for January 2025. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech)
During a full moon, it’s located on the opposite side of Earth to the sun – and its surface is entirely illuminated by the sun’s rays.
January’s full Wolf Moon reaches peak illumination on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at 5:27 P.M. ET.
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But according to NASA, the moon "will appear full for about three days," from Sunday evening, Jan. 12 into Wednesday morning, Jan. 15.
How to best see January’s full moon
Look for the January moon to rise from the eastern horizon around sunset on Jan. 13, Farmer’s Almanac says.
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By midnight, the "Wolf Moon" will glow bright and round overhead. By sunrise, it will disappear into the western horizon.
Moon to pass in front of Mars
The moon will also pass in front of the bright planet Mars on Monday night, Jan. 13, according to NASA. The bright star Pollux will be above the pair.
"As evening twilight ends at 6:11 p.m. EST, the three will form a triangle, with Mars 2 degrees to the lower left and Pollux 3 degrees to the upper left of the Moon," the space agency said in a preview of the event.
"Times will vary for other locations, but for NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., Mars will vanish behind the bottom of the Moon at about 9:16 p.m. and reappear from behind the upper right of the Moon at about 10:31 p.m.," it added.