What is the wolf moon? What you need to know about the moon in January 2025

On January 14, 2025By Littum

When 2025 begins, the first full moon of the year will arrive.

2025’s first full moon will be the last of four in a row super moonsaccording to NASA. But it’s a pretty eventful moon phase.

Monday’s full moon has a lot going on that would make anyone want to howl with joy, especially since this month’s moon is known as the “wolf” moon.

The full moon is called the wolf moon because of the idea that during the long, cold and dark nights of January, wolves make sure everyone can hear them.

And while these wolves howl, the moon will also cover Mars. But the red planet will literally have its moment in the sun and shine just as brightly later this week.

Mars will be hidden during an event known as the lunar occultation, which is rare but will happen on Monday evening.

Here’s what you need to know about the Wolf Moon and other happenings in space.

How did the Wolf Moon get its name?

The first full moon of the year is best known as the wolf moon, as the howls of wolves were more likely to be heard in winter, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

But these names are cultural and have nothing to do with science, Caroline Simpson, professor of astronomy and chair at Florida International University, told USA TODAY.

believed to have been brought to North America by European settlers, the name may be a bit of a misnomer.

While wolves certainly do howl, experts say there is no evidence that they do so at the moon or that its celestial phases have any effect on wolf calls. Rather, because wolves are nocturnal, they are generally more active at night.

When will the moon be opposite the sun?

The moon will be opposite the sun Monday at 5:27 p.m. ET, according to NASA. This is when the moon reveals its full daytime side to Earth.

The moon will appear full for about three days.

Wait, is Mars disappearing?

Mars will not become invisible, but it will be covered by the moon after shining brightly.

“Mars is playing hide-and-seek with the moon,” Andrew Fazekas, communications director for Astronomers without borderstold USA TODAY.

The phenomenon is known as an occultation, which occurs when one celestial body passes in front of another, according to NASA. So even if Mars doesn’t actually disappear, it will be hidden behind the moon. The occultation will occur at a different time, depending on the viewer’s location.

The last time Mars was occulted by the moon was on December 7, 2022, according to NASA.

Both the planet and the moon will be bright enough to see in big cities filled with light pollution and through hazy or partly cloudy skies, according to Fazekas. While clear skies are ideal, people will mainly have to worry about light pollution from the moon outshining Mars, but they can cover the moon with their thumb for a better look.

The main obstacles that would block a person’s view are buildings, trees and a completely overcast sky.

To get the best possible view, Fazekas said it’s best to use either binoculars or a small telescope.

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Mars reaches opposition

While the occultation is taking place, both the moon and Mars will shine incredibly brightly.

“Mars and the moon will compete in brightness,” Fazekas said.

This is because Mars, like the moon, will go into opposition.

On Thursday night, the planet will be at its brightest as it fully reaches opposition and sits directly opposite the Sun, as seen from Earth. Fortunately, Mars will be just as bright on Monday as it will be on Thursday, according to Fazekas.

Comet spotting: A one in 160,000 year chance for some

A comet will be spotted near the constellation Sagittarius, and will be so bright that it can potentially be seen with the naked eye, according to Star Trek. But according to the planetary societymay people need binoculars or a telescope to see the celestial object.

The rare comet, C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), was discovered in April 2024 and has an orbit that spans about 160,000 years, according to the Planetary Society.

At the beginning of the week, the comet will be too close to the sun to be seen. Still, it will move away, and people in the southern hemisphere will have an easier time seeing the comet, according to Fazekas.

He added that seeing the comet might be better left to more advanced backyard astronomers because of how close it is to the sun.

Julia is a popular reporter for USA TODAY. You can connect with her at LinkedInfollow her further X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected]