January’s Full Wolf Moon reaches peak illumination on Monday, January 17, at 6:51 P.M. EST. The moon rises from the northeastern horizon around sunset.

It’s thought that January’s full Moon came to be known as the Wolf Moon because wolves were more likely to be heard howling at this time. It was traditionally believed that wolves howled due to hunger during winter, but we know today that wolves howl for different reasons. Howling and other wolf vocalizations are generally used to define territory, locate pack members, reinforce social bonds, and coordinate hunting.