On January 13, 2025, a captivating astronomical event took place as the Full Wolf Moon obscured the planet Mars in a lunar occultation. The phenomenon was visible across many regions, particularly in Boston, where viewers were treated to a clear sky and remarkable visibility. According to NASA’s Senior Scientist, Dr. James D. Green, ‘This is a rare opportunity for celestial enthusiasts. Watching the Moon cover Mars one minute and reveal it the next is an awe-inspiring experience.’ The lunar occultation began at 1:26 AM EST when the Moon’s dark shadow progressively moved over the Red Planet, causing the brightness of Mars to diminish until it completely disappeared at approximately 1:30 AM before re-emerging around 2:12 AM. Skywatchers experienced an unusual sight, with Mars being 3 degrees behind the Moon, appearing as a bright dot against the icy backdrop of January skies. The night was further embellished by the visibility of two other bright planets, Venus and Jupiter, gracing the western sky. Experts noted that such events are often rare; this particular occultation marked the first of its kind in 2025, with the next notable lunar occultation of Mars set for January 7, 2028. Amanda McHugh, an astronomy educator, added, ‘This teaches everyone the beauty of our solar system and reminds us of the fleeting nature of these events. If you missed it this time, don’t worry, there will be more opportunities!’ As stargazers across the globe shared their stunning images on social media, hashtags like #WolfMoon2025 and #MarsOccultation trended, bringing together a community of skywatchers celebrating the wonders of the universe.
Spectacular Celestial Events: ‘Wolf Moon’ Eclipses Mars on January 13, 2025
