The first full moon of 2023 will be illuminating the D.C. skies on Friday night (Jan. 6), and it’s a special one: a full wolf moon!
The full wolf moon got its name as wolves were more likely to be heard howling at this time, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. At the time it was believed to be because they were suffering from hunger due to the winter months, though it is now known that wolves howl for a multitude of reasons, including to locate pack members, reinforce territory, go hunting, and more.
The full wolf moon will also be a “micromoon,” or the exact opposite of a “supermoon,” meaning the full moon will be at its point in its orbit it’s furthest from Earth at 252,600 miles away.
For Washingtonians hoping to catch a glimpse of the marvelous sight, the full wolf moon will rise at 4:36 p.m. and is expected to reach its peak at 6:07 p.m.
The moon will stay visible until it begins to set at 8:18 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7.