As always, astronomy lovers and moon gazers, this one is for you. Named after the howling of wolves that was often heard at this time of year, an incredible “Wolf Moon” is set to shine brightly this Friday, January 6.
Also known as the first full moon of the year, this type of moon would appear when wolves gathered to howl in hunger outside of villages, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. However, we have since discovered that wolves howl to define territory, locate pack members and coordinate hunting rather than in hunger.
The “Wolf Moon” will peak illumination at 6:09 p.m. EST, but Miamians will get the best view after sunset (5:45 p.m.) and before moonrise (6:26 p.m.) the following evening (Saturday, January 7), shared Forbes. This is because moonrise will occur before the sun sets on Friday night.
This year, the “Wolf Moon” is actually a “micromoon,” explains the Old Farmer’s Almanac. To clarify, the moon will be furthest from the Earth at approximately 252,600 miles, making it the opposite of a “supermoon.”
Other names for this moon are the Center Moon or Cold Moon (and with the cooler weather coming in this weekend, it seems like a more fitting name)!
Mark your calendars because the next full moon, also known as the Snow Moon, will rise on February 5, 2023.