The first full moon of 2024—the “Wolf Moon”—will grace the early evening skies this coming week as it rises in the east just as the sun sets in the west.
Named the “Wolf Moon”—but also the “Quiet Moon” and the “Moon After Yule”—here’s everything you need to know about it, including exactly when, where and how to see it at its best from where you are:
When Is The ‘Wolf Moon?’
The “Wolf Moon” will turn full at 17:54 UTC/12:54 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 25, but the best time to watch it rise will be dusk later that day. From Europe, the best time will be dusk on Friday, January 26.
Best Time To See The Full ‘Wolf Moon’
A full moon looks best when it appears on the eastern horizon just after the sun has set in the west. It will look more prominent than usual and be a beautiful, muted orange. The best time to view it will be a few minutes after moonrise where you are, though it depends on your location.
Thursday, January 25
- In New York, sunset is at 5:03 p.m. EST, and moonrise is at 4:57 p.m.EST (the moment of full moon is at 12:55 p.m. EST).
- In Los Angeles, sunset is at 5:15 p.m. PST, and moonrise is at 5:21 p.m. PST (the moment of full moon is at 9:55 a.m. PST).
Friday, January 26
- In London, sunset is at 4:37 p.m. GMT and moonrise is at 5:15 p.m. GMT.
How To See The Full ‘Wolf Moon’
Get somewhere high up that faces east, or visit an east-facing coast, both of which will give you a clear view of the horizon—and the best views of the “Wolf Moon,” clear skies allowing. Unaided eyes are perfect, though a pair of binoculars will give you a stunning close-up.
The Virtual Telescope Network will livestream the rise of the “Wolf Moon” from Italy on Thursday, January 25 at 20:30 Universal Time (1:30 p.m. EST/10:30 a.m. PST).
Why The ‘Wolf Moon’ Will Look Orange
The full moon will look its biggest and best as it appears on the eastern horizon during dusk. For about 15-20 minutes, it will appear orange. That’s because you’re looking at it through the densest part of Earth’s atmosphere.
Long-wavelength red and orange light travels more easily through the atmosphere than short-wavelength blue light, which strikes more particles and gets scattered. The same physics (Raleigh scattering) explains why a sunset also looks orange.
When Is The Next Full Moon?
The next full moon after the “Wolf Moon” will be the full “Snow Moon” at 12:30 UTC/7:30 a.m. EST on Saturday, February 24—the third full moon of winter and the second of the 12 full moons in 2024.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
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