Wolf Moon to illuminate Park City skies on January 13

Full moon. Photo: NASA // Bill Ingalls

PARK CITY, UT — The first Full Moon of 2025, known as the Wolf Moon, will light up the skies on Monday, January 13, reaching its peak at 5:27 p.m. EST. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, this Moon is steeped in tradition and offers a dazzling start to the year’s lunar calendar.

The Wolf Moon, named for the howling of wolves often heard during the cold winter months, was historically associated with hunger. However, The Old Farmer’s Almanac explains that these howls are now understood to signify pack communication, territory marking, and social bonding. The Moon will rise in the east around sunset, cast a brilliant glow overhead by midnight, and set in the west at sunrise.

Alternative Names Highlight Winter’s Harshness

In addition to “Wolf Moon,” January’s Full Moon has been known by names that reflect the challenges of the season. The Old Farmer’s Almanac details traditional names from various cultures, including Frost Exploding Moon (Cree), Freeze Up Moon (Algonquin), and Severe Moon (Dakota), all nodding to the unforgiving cold. The Assiniboine called it the “Center Moon” to mark its place at the midpoint of the harshest part of winter.

The Tradition of Naming Moons

The Old Farmer’s Almanac emphasizes that these names were not limited to the Full Moon but referred to the entire lunar month. Rooted in Native American, Colonial American, and European traditions, the names helped communities align their activities with the natural world.

Viewing the Wolf Moon in Park City

Park City residents and visitors will have a prime opportunity to enjoy the Wolf Moon against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks. Clear skies typical of Utah winters make this celestial event even more breathtaking. For those seeking darker skies, the Moon’s brilliance offers a stunning contrast to nearby celestial features.

Learn more about the Wolf Moon’s folklore and origins at The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

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