The first full moon of 2025 is nearly here. Dubbed the “wolf moon” for its connection to wolves calling on those long January nights, this month’s other astronomical events will give skywatchers something to howl about.
Four planets — Venus, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars — will be visible in the night sky. That doesn’t happen often, according to NASA. Venus and Saturn additionally will be exceptionally close to one another during a rare conjunction, and the “Red Planet” also will be remarkably bright thanks to an alignment opposite the sun.
Here’s what Hoosiers should know about January’s full moon and other astronomical happenings.
When is the full moon in January 2025?
Monday, Jan. 13 is when the full Wolf Moon howls its brightest, according to NASA. The moon’s phases in January are:
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🌓 First Quarter: Jan. 6.
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🌕 Full Moon: Jan. 13.
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🌗 Last Quarter: Jan. 21.
What time is the full moon in January 2025 for Indianapolis, Indiana?
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, moonrise for the Indianapolis area will happen by roughly 5:22 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, crossing the meridian at 12:17 a.m. before setting at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday.
You can check moonrise and moonset times for your zip code by visiting the Old Farmer’s Almanac online.
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Will skies be clear in Central Indiana during the full moon?
Things are looking cold and slightly cloudy for Central Indiana, according to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis. Monday’s forecast calls for highs to be around 29 degrees. AccuWeather predicts Monday night could see lows around 17 and partly cloudy skies.
Why is it called the full Wolf Moon?
Wolves were believed to howl more in January as the first few weeks of winter cloaked the ground in frost and snow, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Other names for January’s full moon from Native American tribes include the Center Moon, Freeze Up Moon and the Hard Moon.
Astronomical events happening in January 2025 include Venus-Saturn conjunction
If you plan on observing the night sky this month, writes NASA, keep the following dates in mind for December 2024:
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January 13 – Moon occults Mars: The moon will appear to pass in front of Mars for skywatchers in the U.S., according to NASA.
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January 17-18 – Venus and Saturn conjunction: Both shining planets will be within a couple of finger widths’ distance of each other, about 2 degrees, over the next couple of weeks. Venus and Saturn will be at their closest Jan 17-18.
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All month – Four planets visible: Skywatchers can gaze at four visible planets this month, which doesn’t happen every year, writes NASA. Venus and Saturn should be visible in the first few hours after dark in the southwest followed by Jupiter high overhead and Mars in the east. You can also view Uranus and Neptune but you’ll need a telescope.
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All month – Mars at opposition: The Red Planet is directly opposite the Sun from Earth and shines brightly all night. It’s in the east as night falls and in the southwest at dawn.
Need help finding stars, planets and constellations? Try these free astronomy apps
The following free astronomy apps can help you locate stars, planets, and constellations.
When is the full moon in February 2025?
The Snow Moon should reach peak illumination by Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.
When is the next full moon?: What to know about every full moon in 2025. Dates, times and the history behind each name.
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: January’s full moon is almost here. How to see it in Indiana