The wolf supermoon will kick off 2026 with a celestial bang. Here’s when and how to see it.

The new year brings an extraordinary lunar event: the first full moon of 2026, known as the Wolf Moon, will also be the first supermoon of the year – appearing noticeably larger and brighter than usual, as the moon reaches its closest point to Earth.

A supermoon occurs when a full moon reaches its perigee – the point in the moon’s elliptical orbit where it is closest to Earth. When this happens, the moon can appear up to 14% larger and shine 30% brighter than a typical full moon, according to NASA, creating a spectacular spectacle for observers.

The phenomenon is theatrical because the Moon’s orbit is not perfectly circular, it is elliptical, which means that the distance between the Earth and the Moon will vary throughout the month. But it’s when these orbital mechanisms align perfectly that we get the dazzling spectacle of a supermoon.

The folklore behind the wolf moon

The name “wolf moon” comes from Native American and European traditions, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. This reflects a time of year when wolves were frequently heard howling outside villages in the depths of winter.

While folklore says that wolves howl from hunger during the colder months, modern scientists have learned that wolves speak to mark territory and communicate with pack members. Regardless, the sound of wolves howling became so closely associated with the January full moon that the name “wolf moon” stuck across cultures.

When and where to see the show

The Super Wolf Moon will reach its peak on Saturday, January 3 at 5:03 a.m. ET. But astronomers shouldn’t limit themselves to this specific moment.

To enjoy the most breathtaking and memorable views, observers should look toward the eastern horizon at sunset on Friday, January 2 or Sunday, January 4. Watching the moon rise or set can trigger what’s known as the “moon illusion” — a perceptual phenomenon in which the moon appears significantly larger when positioned near familiar objects like trees, buildings, or the horizon line.

At that time, the moon will be positioned in the constellation Gemini and will appear near Jupiter, which will be at its brightest point of the year, according to In-the-sky.org. This celestial association adds an extra layer of visual interest for those scanning the night sky.

Viewing Tips:

• Find stunning views of the eastern horizon for moonrise

• Look west to watch the moon set

• The moon illusion works best when the moon is close to the horizon

• No special equipment is needed: the supermoon is easily visible to the naked eye

• Binoculars or a telescope can reveal stunning surface details

More supermoons to come

January’s Wolf Moon is just the first of three supermoons in 2026. Although several months will pass before the next major lunar display, the year will end with two back-to-back events:

Super Beaver Moon: November 24, 2026
Super cold moon: December 24, 2026

The December event is particularly notable: it is expected to be the closest and brightest full moon of 2026, reaching its closest point to Earth since 2019. This Christmas Eve supermoon will provide a brilliant finale to the year’s lunar calendar.

For skywatchers, 2026 offers a perfect bookend: starting with the winter glow of the super wolf moon and ending with the holiday spectacle of the super cold moon.