January 13th 2025.
Tonight, you will be getting a very special treat - two celestial bodies for the price of one! The first full moon of 2025 will be rising in the sky, and this time, it will have a companion. Yes, you read that right - Mars will be making an appearance as a reddish dot next to the Wolf Moon. For those who received a telescope for Christmas, this is the perfect opportunity to put it to use. But even without a telescope, you will still be able to see this rare sight with your naked eye, as long as you look towards the east from the UK. However, there may be some cloud cover that could obstruct the view.
For those in the US and West Africa, you will be in for an even more unique experience. Mars will be briefly eclipsed by the Moon, in an event known as an "occultation". Unfortunately, we will not have the correct alignment to witness this, but we will still be able to see the two celestial bodies side by side from our vantage point. So, it's definitely worth taking a peek out the window to catch a glimpse of this rare occurrence.
The Moon will be visible throughout the evening, with its peak visibility during the mid-afternoon, before becoming more prominent as the sun goes down. As the evening progresses, Mars will draw closer and closer to the Moon, as both bodies climb higher into the sky. By midnight, they will be at their closest point.
But what exactly is a Wolf Moon? According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, this full moon gets its name from Native American folklore. They would hear wolves howling during this time of year, as they grew hungry during the long winter season. Even though we won't be hearing any actual wolves this year, the haunting name still remains. This full moon is also known by other names, such as Stay Home Moon, Quiet Moon, and Severe Moon, all of which highlight the cold and bitter weather that accompanies it. The Moon serves as the only source of natural light for over 12 hours during this time.
If you're wondering how to catch a glimpse of the Wolf Moon, here are some tips. The Moon will rise at around 3:21 pm, and depending on the weather, it may be visible during daylight hours. It will rise at a 44-degree angle northeast, but if the sky is clear, you won't need to know the specifics - it will be easy to spot once the sun sets at around 4:30 pm. Of course, if you have binoculars or a telescope, you can see the lunar landscape in even more magnificent detail, making it the perfect opportunity for stargazing. This is the first full moon of 2025, and it marks the moment when the Moon's Earth-facing side is fully illuminated by the Sun. It reflects light back to Earth, giving us the crystal clear version we see when the weather is good.
Now, onto the horoscope side of things. Tonight's full moon will be in the sign of Cancer, during the zodiac month of Capricorn. According to Kerry King, our horoscope writer, Cancer is known as "the sign ruled over by the moon", so this will bring a double whammy of lunar energy. She also predicts that this full moon will expose our inner thoughts and feelings, shining a light on any darkness and making us feel more sensitive and intuitive.
For those wondering when the next full moon will be in 2025, on average it takes around 29 and a half days for the Moon to complete one cycle, with around seven and a half days between its four main phases - new moon, first-quarter moon, full moon, and last quarter moon. In total, the Moon goes through eight phases, starting with the new moon, which cannot be seen because the far side of the Moon is illuminated and the Earth's side is in shadow. The next full moon will be on February 12.
However, due to the Moon's elliptical orbit, it does not travel in a perfect circle, and its distance from Earth varies. This is why some full moons are known as supermoons, as they appear bigger and brighter in the sky due to their closer proximity to Earth. In February, we can look forward to the Snow Moon, followed by the Worm Moon in March and the Pink Moon in April. And for those interested in astrology, this information may affect your horoscope and tarot reading for the month.
Lastly, for those planning on going out to see the Wolf Moon, here are some tips. Find a dark location, as the darker the sky, the better you will be able to see the Moon. Dress warmly, as the temperature will be dropping and standing around to watch the Moon can get pretty chilly. Avoid light pollution, so try to find a spot away from the city center if possible. And remember to be patient, as the Moon may occasionally be obscured by clouds if the sky isn't completely clear. You can also download stargazing apps like Night Sky and Stellarium to help you better understand the positions of celestial bodies in the sky.
So, get ready to witness the first full moon of 2025, known as the Wolf Moon. It's a rare and magical event that is definitely worth experiencing. Share your views and experiences in the comments below.
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