Wolf Moon 2026: Check Date, Time And How To Watch January’s Bright Supermoon

2026 has begun and the night sky is already putting on a show worth stepping outside for. On January 3, the full Wolf Moon will rise looking noticeably larger and brighter than usual, giving both seasoned astronomers and casual skywatchers something to smile about. This isn’t just another full moon drifting quietly overhead. It’s a supermoon, and the last one we’ll see until November 2026, which makes this moment feel a little more special than your average lunar event.So what’s different about this one? A supermoon happens when the Moon reaches its full phase right around the time it’s closest to Earth, a point astronomers call perigee. When that timing lines up, the Moon appears visibly bigger and more luminous in the sky. In simple terms,

this Wolf Moon should look about 14 percent larger and roughly 30 percent brighter than a micromoon, which occurs when the Moon is farthest away. It’s a subtle difference on paper, but in real life, especially under clear skies, it can be surprisingly striking.The Moon will technically hit peak brightness in the early hours of January 3, around 5 am Eastern Time. That said, you don’t need to set an alarm to enjoy it. If the weather cooperates, the Moon should look impressive from the evening of January 2 right through the night and into the early morning.Timing matters if you want the most dramatic view. The Moon often looks its biggest near the horizon, around moonrise or moonset. This effect, known as the moon illusion, tricks our brains into seeing the Moon as larger than it really is. Add to that the warm orange glow it often takes on when it’s low in the sky, caused by its light passing through more of Earth’s atmosphere, and you’ve got a genuinely beautiful sight. As it climbs higher, that colour fades into a brighter, cleaner white.ISRO BlueBird Block-2, India's Heaviest Communication Satellite, Lifts Off: How It Will Help Broadband ServicesThe Wolf Moon won’t be the only thing worth watching. Jupiter will shine nearby on January 3, Orion will be easy to spot in the winter sky, and Saturn will linger low in the southwest around moonrise. To top it all off, the Quadrantid meteor shower peaks around the same time. While the Moon’s brightness may hide some faint streaks, the Quadrantids are known for bold fireballs that can still steal the show.Best of all, you don’t need fancy gear. Your eyes are enough. If you’re feeling adventurous, a camera, a tripod, or even a steady smartphone shot can capture the moment. It’s a calm, almost poetic way to welcome the year, with moonlight, planets, and the occasional meteor sharing the same quiet sky.