The first full moon of 2025, known as the Wolf Moon, is on its way, marking a bright start to the new year! The Old Farmer's Almanac first began publishing the names for the full moons in the 1930s. It recorded that January's full Moon "came to be known as the Wolf Moon because wolves were more likely to be heard howling at this time.

While the moon will be full on Monday, the Wolf Moon will look like it’s full Sunday through Tuesday nights. A little extra bonus for skywatchers: When the moon is full on Monday night, it will pass in front of the Red Planet, Mars.

On the night of Jan. 13, the full moon will appear to pass in front of Mars, resulting in an occultation visible from the United States, much of southern and eastern Canada, and West Africa.