In the Bay Area, the event will begin around 6 p.m., shortly after both Mars and the moon appear above the horizon.

Witness a lunar occultation of both Mars and the Pleiades; plus, Mars reaches opposition and Venus and Saturn sit close together.

The moon performed a cosmic ballet with Mars this week. On Monday evening (Jan. 13), the Full Wolf Moon passed in front of Mars in what's known as a lunar occultation, during which another celestial object appears to disappear behind the moon from our vantage point on Earth.

The highlight of the week is coming tonight in the night sky - the lunar occultation of Mars. First off, at 5:27 p.m. the moon will be officially full. The full January moon is known as the "Wolf" moon.

January's wolf moon will officially be the first full moon of 2025 at 4:27 p.m. CT. Space is a big place, so keen stargazers will have the opportunity to see, or rather not see, Mars as it hides behind the moon before it has its own moment later in the week.

January's full Wolf Moon will "eat" Mars for a short time tonight as the Red Planet prepares for opposition later this week.

The first full moon of 2025 will peak in the night sky this evening, accompanied by the planet Mars, which will create a spectacular display in the night sky.