First Full Moon of 2022 shines over West Berkshire

The first full moon of the year also known as the Wolf Moon was at its brightest last night (Monday).

The partially cloudy sky over the last few nights and early morning has meant the moon has provided an amazing spectacle.

Although last night was officially when the moon was full, it still appears full to the naked eye for three or four days either side.

January's Full Moon is known as the Wolf Moon, because wolves are thought to howl more at this time of year. It was named by Native American tribes who observed the hungry wolves howling 'at the moon'. Howling wolves prowled outside their villages in the winter months to communicate with each other, be it a warning or a signal to guide other wolves to a location or prey.

And in case you’re wondering – do wolves howl at the moon?

There is no scientific evidence that the moon phase plays any particular part in the calls of the wolf, but wolves are nocturnal animals, so they are in general more active at night. And wolves do howl in the direction of the moon; they point their faces toward the sky for better acoustics, because projecting their howl upward carries the sound farther.

HAVE YOU TAKEN A PICTURE OF THE FULL MOON? Send you picture to newsdesk@newburynews.co.uk telling us where it was taken and we'll create a lunar gallery.