Title: Witnessing Mars' Demise by the "Wolf Moon" in Awe-Inspiring U.S. Skies
In 2025, on January 13, behold the spectacle of the "Wolf Moon" seemingly devouring Mars! This captivating event occurred during the full moon phase, and for those residing in North America, they had the privilege of witnessing Mars vanishing behind the lunar orb for approximately an hour. The specific timeline for this jaw-dropping display was between 8:44 p.m. EST on January 13 and 00:52 a.m. EST on January 14.
This extraordinary occurrence, known as an occultation by astronomers, was especially noteworthy since Mars was also at its nearest approach to Earth since December 2022. The following day, January 15, Mars would reach opposition, an event that occurs around every 26 months as Earth intercepts the sun's path in relation to Mars.
During this opposition, 100% of Mars' disk was bathed in sunlight, resulting in an exquisite "full Mars" that was notably illuminated and shone brighter than during its previous debarkment in December 2022. At magnitude -1.4, Mars currently ranks amongst the brighter celestial bodies gracing the night sky, albeit surpassed approximately 25-to-1 by the radiant splendor of Venus, which can be easily spotted in the southwest after sunset, gleaming at magnitude -4.3.
Although this celestial display was a mesmerizing spectacle from our terrestrial vantage point, it was essentially an optical illusion. The enchanting illusion was due to the moon's crossing of the ecliptic, the celestial path of all planets traversing the night sky, which concealed the Red Planet from our view.
At the point of occultation, Mars existed about 59.7 million miles (96.1 million kilometers) away from Earth, with the moon, noticeably, drawing closer at 224,000 miles (360,000 kilometers) distant. This demonstrated that Mars was roughly 266 times farther than the moon, relative to our imaginary car journey – where the moon might be a mere one-hour drive away, while Mars would require an arduous 11-day drive, nonstop, at highway speeds.
Despite Mars' seemingly distant location, the Red Planet would continue to be a prominent feature in the night sky throughout January and February. Earlier on January 13, the almost full moon was observed rising in the east, with Mars found just beneath and to the left. Above Mars, two vibrant stars, namely Pollux and Castor in Gemini, added to the ethereal charm of the night sky.
Named the Wolf Moon, this lunar phase also goes by several other nicknames such as the Stay Home Moon, Quiet Moon, and Severe Moon. The subsequent full moon, the Snow Moon, will make its appearance on February 12 at 13:52 UTC/8:52 a.m. EST. As the second full moon of winter, the Snow Moon will shine brilliantly against the backdrop of stars in the constellation Leo.
May your skies be clear, and your gaze ever-inquisitive.
- To capture the unique sight, make sure you have moon Mars pictures from January 13, 2025, as Mars underwent an occultation by the moon during the Wolf Moon phase.
- The night sky was particularly breathtaking on January 13, 2025, with the Wolf Moon's occultation of Mars, a rare event for Mars occultation moon enthusiasts.
- Until Mars opposition 2025, enthusiasts could enjoy viewing the 'full Mars' in the night sky, which was brighter due to its alignment with Earth, providing stunning moon Mars photos.
- In the lead-up to the Wolf Moon's full phase on January 13, 2025, the night sky was adorned with Mars, the moon, Pollux, and Castor in Gemini, making for an enchanting view.
- If you missed the Wolf Moon's occultation of Mars in 2025, don't worry! When is the full moon next? The Snow Moon is set to occur on February 12, 2023, offering another chance to capture wolf moon photos and marvel at the night sky.
