Monday, January 13, 2025

Full Wolf Moon with Mars

The January full moon, which always shines in or near the stars of Gemini or Cancer, will occur on Monday, January 13 at 5:27 p.m. EST, 2:27 a.m. PST, or 22:27 UT. At that time, the bright red planet Mars will be shining just to the moon's lower left (or celestial east). This full moon is known as the Wolf Moon, Old Moon, and Moon after Yule. The Indigenous Ojibwe people of the Great Lakes region call it Gichi-manidoo Giizis, the "Great Spirit Moon", a time to honor the silence, and recognize one's place within all of Great Mystery's creatures.(You might recall that name from hearing or singing Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's The Song of Hiawatha.)The Cree of North America call the January full moon Opawahcikanasis, the "Frost Exploding Moon", when trees crackle from the extreme cold temperatures. Full moons during the winter months climb as high in the sky as the summer noonday sun, and cast shadows in the same locations. Bright ray systems radiating from the youngest large craters are prominent around the full moon. Full Moon Occults Mars

On Monday evening, January 13, observers across the continental USA, northern Mexico, south and eastern Canada, and northwestern Africa will be treated to the full moon passing in front of, or occulting, Mars. The event can be observed with unaided eyes, binoculars, and any backyard telescope. The start and end times vary by location, so use an app like Starry Night or Sky Safari to determine your own circumstances. In New York City, the leading edge of the moon will cover Mars at 9:21 p.m. EST (or 02:21 UT on Tuesday). Mars will reappear from behind Mare Smythii on the moon's opposite limb at 10:37 p.m.
EST (03:37 UT on Tuesday). In Africa, the occultation will occur before dawn
on Tuesday morning. Lunar occultations are safe to observe without filters. Start watching several minutes ahead of your scheduled occultation times.

(Data courtesy of Starry Night)
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