Wolf Moon, January 29th 2010

Tonight, Friday January 29th is the first full moon of 2010 and the biggest full moon this year. Other names by which it is known are Old Moon, Wolf Moon, Moon After Yule, and Ice Moon.

The moon at this time of year rises at sunset and rides high in the southern sky nearly all of the night. In fact astronomers and scientist say tonight’s moon will appear almost full both tonight and Saturday night too.

Tonight’s full moon will coincide with the moon's perigee (its closest point to Earth). So this will also be the biggest full moon of 2010. 

Orbital Explanation

According to Spaceweather.com tonight the moon will be about 14 percent wider and 30 percent brighter than lesser full Moons of the year.

Wolf Moon

In a coincidence, of what skyweather.com call celestial proportions the Moon and Mars are also having a close encounter. Mars will be at opposition—i.e., directly opposite the sun. It will rise alongside the Moon at sunset and soar overhead at midnight. The two will also spend Friday and Saturday in the sky side by side see the skymap below.

Sky Map Mars and the Moon tonight

So wrap up warm and take a peek tonight at the night sky!

Images courtesy spaceweather