Don’t miss the wolf moon, rising over southwest Illinois soon. When to look to the sky
The first full moon of 2024 will rise Thursday, and it’s known as the Wolf Moon, as well as the Ice Moon, the Moon after Yule, the Old Moon and more.
January’s full moon is called the “wolf” moon because wolves are typically active in mid-winter. Moon names often come from Indigenous and European tradition. The Farmers’ Almanac says the wolf moon’s name is thought to have English origins.
Here’s when you can catch a glimpse of the Wolf moon, as well as supermoons and other full moons in the St. Louis region this year.
When can you see the wolf moon in Belleville?
The 2024 wolf moon will become full at 11:54 a.m. Central Standard Time Jan. 25, according to NASA, and will appear full for about three days.
Although the wolf moon will be full before noon Thursday, Forbes recommends looking a few minutes after sunset to get a better view without sun obstruction.
The sun will set at 5:13 p.m. in Belleville Thursday, according to online global clock Time and Date, and metro-east residents should see relief from icy, cold conditions that evening.
The St. Louis Astronomical Society does not have any in-person meetings planned for January, according to its website, but you can look forward to upcoming discussions about the 2024 eclipse and the moon in February and March.
More full moons in 2024
If you miss Thursday’s wolf moon, you will have 11 more chances to catch a full moon this year, including a few full supermoons.
Here’s this year’s full moon calendar, with information from Space.com:
Jan. 25: Wolf moon
Feb. 24: Snow moon
March 25: Worm moon
April 23: Pink moon
May 23: Flower moon
June 21: Strawberry moon
July 21: Buck moon
Aug. 19: Sturgeon moon (supermoon and blue moon)
Sept. 17: Harvest moon (supermoon and partial lunar eclipse)
Oct. 17: Hunter’s moon (supermoon)
Nov. 15: Beaver moon (supermoon)
Dec. 15: Cold moon
Full moons have multiple names, and many come from Indigenous cultures. The Farmers’ Almanac uses Indigenous moon names, along with monikers from colonial America and other North American sources.
Southern Illinois residents will also have an opportunity to see the 2024 total solar eclipse passes through Carbondale in the afternoon of April 8.
