The “Wolf Moon” is the first of 12 full moons in 2021.
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The first full moon of 2021 is almost here. On Thursday, January 28, 2021, spectators will receive the full “Wolf Moon” sky rising in the east.
This is the highest full Moon of the year, although the rise of every full Moons is always a monthly event. That may be doubling right now with stay – at – home orders around the world.
After all, watching a full moon appear on the east side is not only beautiful, but it’s free, and can be seen for just a few minutes if you know exactly when to be outdoors. Its endurance, power and endless rhythms are a source of stability in uncertain times.
One of nature’s most likely sights awaits you – so here’s just how, when and where you can see the full “Wolf Moon” with your own eyes.
When is the Full ‘Wolf Moon?’
The first full moon of 2021 will be official at 19:16 Universal Time on Thursday, January 28, 2021. However, seeing the full Moon when it reaches its peak at 100% illumination is a loss the point. The Moon is too bright to watch when it is full and high in the sky. You have to see it as the moon rises and moonset where you are when it is a calm but amazing orange color. Look at it close to the horizon and not only will it look bigger, but you can see it moving as well.
“Wolf Moon” rises above Glastonbury Tor on January 11, 2017 in Somerset, England. (Photo by Matt … [+]
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When will you see the full ‘Wolf Moon’
North America will get a perfect view of “Wolf Moon.” What was sought was the shortest time between sunset and sunrise – or vice versa – so the Moon can be seen rising in the middle of the night (rather than in complete darkness).
Always check the rising times of the moon for your location and make a plan to look about 10-15 minutes later (it will take a while to become apparent), but here are a few examples of when to look:
- New York: the moon rises at 5:02 pm EST, sunset at 5:08 pm EST on Thursday, January 28, 2021 (this is the perfect setting!).
- Los Angeles: sunset at 5:19 pm PST, the moon rises at 5:25 pm EST on Thursday, January 28, 2021 (different setting, but just as perfect!).
- London: moonrise at 4:10 pm GMT, sunset at 4:42 pm GMT on Thursday, January 28, 2021 (the sky may be too clear to give full value to the rising full moon … but it should still be worth a look).
As you can see the full ‘Wolf Moon’ from home
Height is the most important thing you need to see for a full moon to appear on the eastern horizon. A second floor (or higher) window or balcony with an east side is perfect for watching a full moon elevation.
Find a place at lunchtime in your area, and wait patiently for our satellite to appear. It may rub longer than the specified time.
A full moon shining behind flags at the Washington Monument (Photo by Mark Wilson / Getty Images)
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Why is it called the full ‘Wolf Moon?’
Not the best name, is it? Wolves cry all year round! However, it is a name that can be applied to both North America and Europe as they are both home to wolves.
That’s more than can be said for the sad “Sturgeon” moon in August and the “beaver” moon in November. Sometimes called the “Old Moon,” “Ice Moon” and – in the UK – the “Snow Moon.”
Names for full Moons are said to date back to the days when Native American tribes and / or farmers from the time of the colony gave names to a full moon each month to help keep track of the seasons.
When is the next Full Moon?
The next full moon is the “Snow Moon,” which takes place on Saturday, February 27, 2021.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.