First full moon of 2025 coming up this week in Ontario

The first full moon of 2025 is set to light up Ontario skies this week, bringing with it a cosmic spectacle worth staying up for!

RELATED: All the full moons in 2025 and when they will appear in Ontario

Known as the Wolf Moon, this stunning view will rise on Jan. 13 alongside Mars, the fiery red planet glowing at its peak brilliance for the year. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the name “Wolf Moon” comes from the haunting howls of wolves often heard during cold January nights.

On Jan. 13, the full moon lies directly between Earth and Mars. Chart via earthsky.org.

According to EarthSky.org, the Wolf Moon will rise in the east at sunset, glow high overhead around midnight, and dip below the western horizon by sunrise.

For some lucky observers in parts of North America, the moon will briefly pass in front of Mars in a rare event called an occultation. This phenomenon is predicted to occur at 10 p.m. on Jan. 13. If Mars seems to disappear from view, don’t worry, it’s just hiding behind the moon!

In addition, this year the moon sits in the constellation Gemini, near the twin stars Castor and Pollux. EarthSky.org notes on its website that while the moon’s brightness might make spotting Mars or these stars tricky, you can use a nearby object, like a utility pole, to block part of the moon’s glow and help Mars “pop” into view.

In case you’re curious about January’s full lunar schedule, here it is as noted by The Old Farmer’s Almanac:

• First Quarter: Jan. 6
• Full Moon (Wolf Moon): Jan. 13
• Last Quarter: Jan. 21
• New Moon: Jan. 29

If you’re wondering about blue moons—those rare months with two full moons—there won’t be one in 2025. The next blue moon is expected in May 2026.

So, on Jan. 13, don’t forget to look up to the sky. Whether you’re marvelling at Mars, tracing the stars of Gemini or simply basking in the glow of the Wolf Moon, this phenomenon is one you won’t want to miss.