The night sky will welcome 2026 with a striking celestial event as the year’s first full moon, known as the Wolf Supermoon, appears on Saturday, January
3, 2026. This will also be the final supermoon in a rare sequence of 4 consecutive supermoons, making it brighter and slightly larger than an average full moon. Astronomically, the moon will reach its full phase at 5:03 a.m. EST. However, skywatchers are likely to get the most dramatic view later that day during moonrise, when the moon emerges above the eastern horizon around dusk. January’s full moon is traditionally called the Wolf Moon, a name rooted in North American folklore. The term reflects mid-winter conditions, when wolves were believed to howl more often during the coldest and darkest part of the year. While the name is symbolic, the timing of this full moon gives it special visual appeal.
Best time and places to watch
The most impressive views of any full moon usually occur at moonrise, particularly when it coincides with twilight. On January 3, the Wolf Supermoon will rise shortly after sunset, creating ideal viewing conditions.
In New York, sunset is expected at 4:40 p.m. EST, followed by moonrise at 4:56 p.m. EST. In Los Angeles, sunset will occur at 4:56 pm PST, with moonrise at 5:25 pm PST. In both cases, the moon will appear during the early evening twilight, enhancing its size and colour against the fading light.
Open areas with a clear eastern horizon, such as beaches, hilltops, or wide fields, will offer the best views. While binoculars can highlight surface details, the Wolf Supermoon will be easily visible to the naked eye.
Why the Wolf Moon appears higher in the sky
The January 2026 Wolf Moon will also sit higher in the night sky than any other full moon this year in the Northern Hemisphere. This happens because a full moon always appears opposite the sun. Since the sun is at its lowest point in the sky around the winter solstice in late December, the full moon closest to this period follows a higher path.As a result, the Wolf Moon will remain above the horizon longer than other full moons in 2026, giving observers an extended window to watch it from evening until early morning.
Why timing matters
Moonrise during the so-called blue hour, roughly 20 to 35 minutes after sunset, often produces the most visually striking scenes. The sky retains soft blue and purple tones, allowing the moon to stand out clearly without the glare of daylight or the flat darkness of night. The Wolf Supermoon’s timing places it firmly in this sweet spot, making it particularly appealing for photography and casual stargazing.What’s next for skywatchers
The Wolf Moon is the first of 13 full moons in 2026, due to the mismatch between the solar year and the lunar cycle. The next full moon, the Snow Moon, will occur on February 1.Later in the year, skywatchers can look forward to a blue moon, three supermoons and two lunar eclipses, including a total lunar eclipse in March and a deep partial eclipse in August.
As the Wolf Supermoon rises at the start of 2026, it sets the tone for a year filled with notable celestial events, offering a calm yet powerful reminder of the steady rhythms playing out above us.
