The Wolf Moon Will Shine On Monday

5 hours ago

Here's how to see it

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Skygazers, rejoice: the first full moon of the year will light up the sky on Monday evening. Nicknamed the Wolf Moon, here’s how to see it in January 2025.

What Is The Wolf Moon?

Due to their nocturnal nature, wolves have long been associated with moons, but this full moon is actually nicknamed the Wolf Moon. According to NASA, January’s full moon got its name from ‘the packs of wolves heard howling outside the villages amid the cold and deep snows of winter’. It’s also known as the Stay Home Moon (no-one wants to bump into a wolf in the dark of night) and the Moon After Yule.

How To See The 2025 Wolf Moon

The Wolf Moon will be at its fullest on Monday 13 January 2025 at 10.26pm. If it’s a clear sky, you’ll be able to see it once the sun sets at around 4.20pm. According to Parkdean Resorts, here’s how to get the best view:

1. Get Up High

‘The further up you are, the better your chance of a clear sky to see the stars. Take a hike and explore the surroundings to find the perfect stargazing spot. The further you are away from light pollution the better chance you’ll have of seeing the stars. Moons always rise in the east and set in the west – so follow this direction in your search.’

2. Research What You’re Looking At

‘Enhance the stargazing experience and download the Star Chart app, free on AR-enabled Apple or Android devices. Star Chart allows you to point the camera at the sky and will tell you exactly what is up there.’

3. Use TimeAndDate.com

‘Time and Date allows you to input your location, before generating information about when the planets are most visible. With lots of helpful information about what’s in the universe, this is a great way to educate the family about the wonders of space.’

What Is The Spiritual Meaning?

According to astrologers, a Wolf Moon can be an emotional time – so if you’re feeling a little more sensitive or tense than usual, you can blame the night sky. However, a Wolf Moon can also be a time for self-reflection, radiating new energy for the upcoming year.

Why Do Wolves Howl At The Moon?

It’s somewhat of a misnomer that wolves howl at the moon. Instead, these nocturnal canines howl upward at the sky to project their calls further, whether they’re warning intruders to stay away or informing the rest of the pack of their location. Other than that, there’s no indication that wolves are affected by a full moon, though their association with lunar cycles can be traced back to Norse mythology.