Mars Joins the Wolf Moon Tonight Only

Tonight is the biggest and the most remarkable full moon of the entire year. The moon will rise in the eastern sky. Tonight’s event only happens once a year when the earth’s orbit puts it very close to the moon. Native Americans call this event the Wolf Moon.

Those who have clear skies will get to witness this annual event. For those fortunate enough to have a crystal clear unobstructed view of the sky, Mars will also be visible to the naked eye. It will be visible just as the sun sets and will appear to be a bright orange star. Mars will be seen on the left side of the moon. The two objects will look as though they are almost touching. Last night Mars came within 62 million miles of earth, which is the closet it will ever be until 2014.

The moon is estimated to be 30 percent brighter during these annual occurrences. It will also appear much larger, an estimated 15 percent larger than the average full moon. Stargazers will get the best view of the moon at 4:04 am eastern time. The moon will be a short 221,577 miles from earth at the closest point during the orbital cycle.