Full Moon known also known as “Wolf Moon” rises behind Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, United … [+]
Want to see the “Wolf Moon” rise? The first full moon of 2023 will occur later this week when our natural satellite moves into position directly opposite the sun.
It will rise at dusk in the east on Friday, January 6, 2023, and set at sunrise in the west the following morning, but that’s not when to watch it.
The best time to see the “Wolf Moon” depends on the separation between the exact time of sunset and the exact time of moonrise. Ideally, the latter should occur just after the former, which creates the spectacle of a full moon appearing in a still-lit dusk sky.
Here’s everything you need to know about the “Wolf Moon” and when to see it at its biggest, brightest and best:
When is the ‘Wolf Moon?’
The moon will turn full at exactly 23:09 UTC on Friday, January 6, 2023, a global time. However, when it rises and sets is determined where you watch it from on the planet.
Full moon sets behind Monte Prena in Gran Sasso d’Italia National Park on January, 2022. First full … [+]
Best times to see the ‘Wolf Moon’
Although January’s Moon turns full on Friday, January 6, 2023, it will be best viewed at moonrise the following evening on Saturday, January 7, 2023. That’s because it will rise before sunset on Friday, ruining the spectacle somewhat.
Here are the exact times to see January’s “Wolf Moon” from a few key cities, but do check the exact times of moonrise and moonset for your location. If you don’t see the full Moon peek above the horizon at precisely these times, don’t worry. It will appear for sure soon after!
Just after sunset on Saturday, January 7, 2022
Saturday evening offers the best opportunity to see the full “Wolf Moon” rise into a twilight sky as seen from both Europe and North America:
- In London sunset is at 4:08 p.m. GMT and moonrise is at 4:14 p.m. GMT (full Moon is at 11:09 p.m. the previous evening).
- In New York sunset is at 4:44 p.m. EST and moonrise is at 5:16 p.m. EST (the moment of full Moon is at 6:09 p.m. EST the previous evening).
- In Los Angeles sunset is at 4:59 p.m. PST and moonrise at 5:42 p.m. PST (the moment of full Moon is at 3:09 p.m. PST the previous day).
The full Wolf Moon rises over Gaza City, Monday, January 17, 2022. (Photo by Sameh Rahmi/NurPhoto … [+]
Why to watch the ‘Wolf Moon’ at moonrise
There are two reasons to watch the “Wolf Moon” at moonrise. The first is glare, or lack of. Observe a full moon when it’s high in the sky and you will find it almost impossible to look for more than a few seconds—the glare is just too strong. As it rises not only is its brightness muted, but there’s a spectacular orangey tinge to the lunar surface. The second reason to watch the “Wolf Moon” at moonrise is for the “moon illusion.” For reasons not fully understood, the human brain interprets the moon as looking bigger when it’s viewed on the horizon, in the context of the trees and buildings.
Why is it called the ‘Wolf Moon?’
It’s named for the howling of wolves, which is not a very satisfying name (after all, don’t wolves howl every month?). Other names for January’s full moon include “Ice Moon,” “Snow Moon” and “Moon After Yule,” which at least have a seasonal reason.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon after the “Wolf Moon” is the “Snow Moon” on February 5, 2023.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
