JACKSON, Wyo. — The first full moon of 2023 will rise over Jackson Hole this evening at 4:07 p.m. This month’s full moon is often referred to as the Wolf Moon and is a “micromoon.”
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, a micromoon is essentially the opposite of a supermoon. The full moon is at its farthest point from Earth—not the nearest point. In astronomical terms, this is called an “apogee.” January’s micro full moon is about 252,600 miles from Earth.
January’s full moon has garnered names related to the harsh weather usually experienced during this time of year in North America.
According to Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Cree call it the Cold Moon, Frost Exploding Moon and Great Moon. The Algonquin call it the Freeze up Moon, the Dakota call it the Severe Moon and Hard Moon, a nod to the hard crust snow sometimes forms. Other names include the Canada Goose Moon, Tlingit, the Greetings Moon, Western Abenaki and the Spirit Moon, Ojibwe. The Assiniboine people of the northern great plains refer to this month’s moon as the Center Moon, due to it roughly marking the middle of the winter season.
January’s full moon has also been called the Wolf Moon, likely because wolves were heard howling and are active during this time of year.
