When and how can you see the Wolf Moon rise?

The first full moon of the year is about to rise across the sky.

Get ready to howl at the “Wolf Moon,” a celestial event so named because wolves make themselves particularly heard at night during the dark, cold winter months.

Here’s everything you need to know about the full wolf moon, including more about its nickname and when to see it.

How did the Wolf Moon get its name?

The first full moon of the year is best known as the “Wolf Moon” because the howling of wolves was more likely to be heard in winter, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

It is believed that the name was brought to North America by European settlers. The name may be a bit misleading.

While wolves certainly howl, experts say there is no evidence that they do so on the moon or that its celestial phases have any influence on wolf calls. Because wolves are nocturnal animals, they are generally more active at night.

Contrary to popular belief, wolves don’t howl because they’re hungry.

“In winter, howls and other wolf sounds are heard to locate pack members, strengthen social bonds, demarcate territories, and coordinate hunting,” the almanac states.

When will the full wolf moon be visible? This is how you see it.

A moon appears “full” to us when the celestial body – Earth’s only natural satellite – is on the exact opposite side of our planet from the sun and the lunar surface is completely illuminated by the sun’s rays.

January’s full Wolf Moon peaks at 5:27 p.m. EST on Monday, January 13th.

But the moon will also appear particularly bright for about three days around the time of its peak illumination, from Sunday evening to Wednesday morning.

According to NASA, look for the January full moon to rise on the eastern horizon around sunset. At midnight, the Wolf Moon should shine bright and round overhead before disappearing over the western horizon at sunrise.

As a bonus, the moon will pass in front of Mars on the full moon night and will be visible to most of the continental United States, NASA says.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be in February.

According to Astronomy.com, the snow moon will be visible on Wednesday, February 12th.

Contributor: Doyle Rice, USA TODAY

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and breaking news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

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When and how can you see the Wolf Moon rise?

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