The first full moon of the year, also called Wolf Moonwill light up the sky Monday January 13, 2025. Also known as the Old Moon, Ice Moon or Snow Moon, it symbolizes not only the start of winter but also that of a new year. It will appear in the constellation Gemini and promises to amaze astronomy enthusiasts and the curious.
When to admire this full moon?
To take full advantage of the Wolf Moonwe will have to raise our eyes to the sky Tuesday January 14, 2025. In France and Europe, it will rise shortly after sunset. Here are some indicative times:
- HAS Paristhe sun will set at 5:22 p.m. CETand the moon will rise at 5:30 p.m. CET.
- HAS Marseilleexpect to see the moon appear around 5:24 p.m. CETjust after sunset at 5:18 p.m. CET.
- Pour Bruxellesthe full moon will rise at 5:35 p.m. CETafter a sunset planned for 17h26 CET.
- HAS Genevathe show will start around 5:29 p.m. CETafter a sunset at 5:20 p.m. CET.
- Pour Londonthe moon will appear at 16h44 GMTjust after sunset at 16h19 GMT.
These times depend on your exact location and may vary slightly. If you are in the mountains or in the countryside, where the horizon is clear, you will have an ideal view.
Some tips for a successful observation
To properly admire this natural spectacle, look for an elevated location or a coast facing east to have a clear view of the horizon when the moon rises. Of course, you can watch it all with the naked eye, but binoculars can really magnify your experience by offering a fascinating close-up of this bright star.
In addition to that, this full moon will be accompanied by an occultation of Mars (a rare phenomenon where Mars temporarily disappears behind the moon). In Europe, this phenomenon will be observable during the night of Monday January 13 to Tuesday January 14, 2025. For example, in Paris, Mars will disappear behind the moon around 02:44 CET and will reappear around 06h52 CET. The moments when Mars disappears and then reappears behind the moon will be particularly exciting for observers equipped with a telescope.
What makes this full moon so special
The Wolf Moon also has the honor of being the full moon that rises highest in the sky in 2025 in the northern hemisphere. This particularity comes from the fact that it is opposite the sun: during winter, when the sun remains low on the horizon, it is the turn of the full moon to reach heights! Thus, it will remain visible longer than all other full moons that year.
And if you already want to plan your next lunar evenings, know that the next full moon will be the so-called “Snow” moon, scheduled for Wednesday February 12, 2025 has 11:41 p.m. CET.
The Full Wolf Moon is an ideal opportunity to reconnect with the natural beauties that surround us every day. Whether you are passionate about astronomy or simply want to spend a contemplative moment under the stars, take the time to admire this exceptional celestial phenomenon which is a wonderful start to this new year.
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