Mon Jan 13 20:38:05 UTC 2025: ## Wolf Moon, Mars’ Disappearance, and a Planetary Parade Light Up January Skies

**New York, NY (CNN) –** Skywatchers are in for a treat this January, with a celestial spectacle unfolding throughout the month. The first full moon of the year, known as the Wolf Moon, reached peak illumination on Monday, January 6th at 5:27 p.m. ET, offering a stunning sight visible worldwide (weather permitting). For viewers in North America, parts of Africa, and Mexico, this full moon presented a unique opportunity: a close encounter with Mars.

As the moon traversed the night sky, it appeared to pass in front of Mars, briefly obscuring the red planet. This occultation, as it’s known, offered a cosmic “magic trick,” with Mars disappearing behind the moon’s lower left side and reappearing behind its upper right. Exact times varied by location, but East Coast viewers witnessed the event around 9:16 p.m. and 10:31 p.m. ET respectively.

The Wolf Moon, a name derived from Sioux traditions describing wolves’ winter activity, also carries other names across various cultures, including the Cold Moon, Hard Moon, and Whirling Wind Moon. Its appearance coincides with the Hindu Prayag Kumbh Mela festival.

Adding to the celestial display, Mars will reach its closest and brightest point to Earth on Wednesday, January 8th, appearing particularly radiant in the eastern sky each evening and in the northwest at dawn. This is due to the planet’s “opposition,” where Earth sits between Mars and the sun.

January also features a parade of bright planets—Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars—visible at night. Venus and Saturn will appear close together in the southwest in a conjunction, while Jupiter shines overhead, creating a visually striking event. Uranus and Neptune are also visible with binoculars or telescopes. While this planetary grouping isn’t unusual, seeing so many bright planets simultaneously is a less frequent occurrence.

Beyond January, the year holds further celestial events: two partial solar eclipses (March 29 and September 21), two total lunar eclipses (March 13-14 and September 7-8), and several meteor showers, including the Southern Delta Aquariids in late July. Check TimeandDate.com for specific viewing times and locations.

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