New Delhi: The first full moon of 2026 is almost here and this one is special, not just because it is big and bright, but because it is the first Wolf
Supermoon of the year, rising on January 3, 2026, and lighting up skies across the world.
NASA describes it as a supermoon when the full moon lines up with the Moon’s closest point to Earth in orbit, known as “perigee”, which makes it appear larger and brighter than usual. According to the timeline, the Wolf Supermoon will reach peak brightness at around 10:03 GMT, which converts to 3:33 pm IST, although skywatchers in India will get the best views during the evenings of January 2 and January 3 as it slowly rises over the eastern sky.
What makes the Wolf Supermoon special
This full moon carries an ancient name. According to historical records and the Old Farmer’s Almanac, January’s full moon is called the “Wolf Moon” because wolves “were more likely to be heard howling during these cold winter nights.” Some cultures also refer to it as the “Cold Moon” or “Freeze-Up Moon”, pointing to freezing weather and harsh winter nights. This is also the first of three supermoons in 2026, with the biggest one expected late in December.
There is one interesting science detail too. Since this full moon is the closest one to the winter solstice, it travels the highest arc in the night sky in the Northern Hemisphere. At perigee, the Moon is roughly 2,20,000 miles (around 3,54,000 km) from Earth. At its farthest point, called “apogee”, it goes to nearly 2,50,000 miles (around 4,02,000 km) away. So yes, the moon really is a bit nearer than usual.
How and when to watch in India
If you love sky watching or even casual stargazing, you do not need special gear. A phone camera might not do justice, but your eyes absolutely will.
Look out for:
• Eastern horizon at dusk on January 2 and January 3
• Clear skies and low light pollution if possible
• A terrace, open field, or balcony view
When the moon is low near the horizon, our brain plays tricks and makes it look even bigger. This visual effect is widely known as the “moon illusion.”
Why it feels brighter even in cities
Unlike meteor showers which get washed away by city lighting, a supermoon is strong enough to cut through light pollution. So even people in metros can see it clearly. I have watched previous supermoons from busy city streets and they still looked magical.
A gentle reminder to just look up
Many of us forget to simply pause and enjoy the sky anymore. This Wolf Supermoon feels like a nice excuse to step outdoors for a few minutes, maybe with family or friends, and just look upward. Three supermoons are lined up this year, and this one sets the tone for what looks like a beautiful celestial year ahead.
