Moon close to Orion and Mars
On the evenings of January 4 and 5, 2023, from the Northern Hemisphere, the practically full moon shall be virtually overhead. Orion the Hunter stands above the southern horizon: Look above his raised membership to see the moon presiding over all.
The moon is leaving Taurus the Bull and vibrant Mars behind, headed for Gemini the Twins and its vibrant stars Castor and Pollux. On each January 4 and 5, the moon shall be greater than 90% lit, shining brightly over the panorama beneath, and in lots of locations illuminating winter snow.
The waxing gibbous moon received’t attain full phase and 100% lit till 23:08 UTC (5:08 p.m. CST) on January 6, 2023. The Wolf Moon will most likely not be noticeably smaller to your eye, however the full moon this month is a micromoon, as a result of it’s getting near its far level in its orbit round Earth.
The view from the Southern Hemisphere
In the event you’re within the Southern Hemisphere, Orion the Hunter stands on his head above the northern horizon. As a substitute of the moon being excessive overhead, like within the Northern Hemisphere, the moon is hugging the horizon. That’s as a result of the trail of the full moon in early January mimics that of the June sun. And for these in summer time in June, the sun is excessive, whereas these in winter in June have a sun decrease to the horizon. The moon’s path roughly follows the sun’s daytime path from six months in the past, and 6 months from now.
So, relying in your location on Earth, the view of the night time sky modifications barely. In the event you’re within the Southern Hemisphere, flip our maps the other way up for a extra correct view. Or attempt Stellarium for a exact star chart out of your location.
Backside line: See the practically full moon close to Orion the Hunter, an indicator of January skies. Vivid, reddish Mars is close by within the constellation Taurus the Bull.
For more great observing events in the coming weeks, visit EarthSky’s night sky guide
