The next full moon takes place tonight and reaches its peak at 10:37 PM. For regions like South Africa and Eastern Europe, this is technically already Tuesday. The moon will appear full for about three days: from Sunday evening until Wednesday morning.
On the evening of the full moon, the moon will be close to the planet Mars in much of Europe. In some regions, such as parts of Africa, the moon will even pass in front of Mars, creating an interesting celestial display.
Traditional names of the moon
The January full moon is commonly known as the Wolf Moon, a name originating from indigenous peoples’ traditions and European history. This refers to the time of year when wolves were often heard during the cold winter months. Other European names include the Ice Moon, Old Moon, and the Moon after Yule, referring to the winter celebrations of Yule.
Why is it called Wolf Moon?
The Wolf Moon is the traditional name for the January full moon. This name originates from ancient stories where wolves, due to the cold and food-scarce winter, would come closer to human settlements and their howls were heard more frequently. This symbolizes the harsh winter period and has persisted through the centuries.
Astronomical Highlights in January 2025
January 2025 is full of interesting astronomical phenomena worth observing. Here are some highlights:
- The conjunction of Mars and the moon: During the evening of the full moon, Mars will be visible close to the moon. In some regions, the moon will even pass in front of Mars, creating a fascinating spectacle.
- Bright planets: Venus and Jupiter are prominently visible. Venus appears as a brilliant crescent in the southwest, while Jupiter stands high in the sky, making its moons, such as Europa and Io, clearly visible through a telescope.
- Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS): This comet will pass close to the sun on January 13. Although its visibility is uncertain, it could be a beautiful addition to the night sky.
- Meteor shower γ-Ursae Minorids: This event reaches its peak on January 18. Despite the moonlight, several meteors per hour can be seen under ideal conditions.
Religious and Cultural Significance
The January full moon also has rich cultural and spiritual significance:
- In the Hindu tradition this moon marks the end of Shakambari Navratri, a period honoring goddess Shakambari. Additionally, the month of Magha begins, focusing on spiritual cleansing and fasting.
- In the Buddhist tradition in Sri Lanka, this moon is known as Duruthu Poya, a day commemorating Buddha’s first visit to the island.
- In the Chinese lunar calendar this moon falls in the last month of the Year of the Rabbit. On January 29, with the new moon, the Year of the Snake begins.
Observation Tips
For optimal viewing experience, we recommend using a telescope, such as the StellarVision or the Vespera II. Both telescopes offer excellent image quality, even in areas with light pollution.
- Find a dark location with a clear view of the sky.
- Dress warmly and consider bringing a thermos of hot drinks.
- Use a star chart or an app to find the exact locations of planets and stars.
Looking Ahead
The next full moon takes place on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. In the meantime, there are many beautiful celestial phenomena to observe. Make sure your telescope is ready and enjoy everything the night sky has to offer.
