A full moon is a lunar phase that occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, resulting in the entire visible surface of the Moon being illuminated by the Sun’s rays. It is the third of four primary phases of the Moon and occurs approximately once a month.
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The January full moon is known as the Full Wolf Moon. The first full moon of 2023 wowed stargazers around the world. Check these amazing photos of the Full Wolf Moon of January 2023. The full moon shows its face to Earth about once a month. Well, sort of.
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When is the next Full Moon?
The next full moon will be on Monday, Feb. 6, at 1:29 p.m. EST (1729 GMT), but the moon will still appear full the night before and after its peak to the casual stargazer. The February full moon follows the January full moon, which occurred on Friday, Jan. 6 at 6:08 p.m. ET (2308 GMT).
Full moon calendar 2023
| Date | Name | U.S. Eastern Time | GMT |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 6 | Wolf Moon | 6:08 p.m. | 23:48 |
| February 6 | Snow Moon | 1:29 p.m. | 18:29 |
| March 7 | Worm Moon | 7:40 a.m. | 12:40 |
| April 6 | Pink Moon | 12:34 a.m. | 04:34 |
| May 5 | Flower Moon | 1:34 p.m. | 17:34 |
| June 3 | Strawberry Moon | 11:42 p.m. | 03:42 on June 4 |
| July 3 | Buck Moon | 7:39 a.m. | 11:39 |
| August 1 | Sturgeon Moon | 2:31 p.m. | 18:31 |
| August 30 | Blue Moon | 9:35 p.m. | 01:35 Aug. 31 |
| September 29 | Harvest Moon | 5:57 a.m. | 09:57 |
| October 28 | Hunter’s Moon | 4:24 p.m. | 20:24 |
| November 27 | Beaver Moon | 4:16 a.m. | 09:16 |
| December 26 | Cold Moon | 10:33 p.m. | 03:33 GMT on Dec. 27 |
The full moon is not always perfectly full. The same side of the moon is always visible to us, but part of it is in shadow due to its rotation. A full moon is 100% full only when the moon, Earth, and sun are perfectly aligned, which also causes a lunar eclipse.
Rarely, a full moon may occur twice in a month or four times in a season, known as a “blue moon.” To capture the best photographs of the next full moon or lunar eclipse, follow our guide on how to photograph the moon and lunar eclipses, and consider using recommended cameras and lenses for astrophotography.
Additionally, consider using binoculars or a telescope for observing the moon, for which we have recommended guides for the best options.
What’s so special about Full Moon?
There are several things that make a full moon special:
- Visibility: A full moon is the brightest and most visible phase of the moon, making it a popular subject for photography and observation.
- Lunar Eclipses: A full moon is necessary for a lunar eclipse to occur, when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon’s surface.
- Folklore and Mythology: Full moons have been associated with supernatural events, and magic, and were often associated with certain gods and goddesses in many cultures.
- Tide: A full moon can also cause stronger tides, known as “spring tides,” which can affect ocean currents, coastal erosion, and weather patterns.
- Effects on living beings: Full moon has been observed to affect the behavior of some living organisms such as dogs, wolves, and some birds.
- Aesthetics: The Full Moon is a beautiful sight in the sky at night, can be seen from most places on Earth, and often evokes feelings of awe and wonder.
