January’s Wolf Supermoon Lights Up the Sky in 2026
The first full Moon of 2026 is set to put on a spectacular show this weekend. Known as the Wolf Moon, it will rise on Saturday, January 3, and it’s not just any full Moon—it’s a supermoon. That means it will appear larger and brighter than usual, thanks to its close approach to Earth, a point astronomers call “perigee.” At this closest distance, the Moon will be about 220,000 miles away, roughly 30,000 miles closer than when it’s at its farthest, or apogee. Because of this, the Wolf Moon will shine with a special intensity, dominating the night sky.
Interestingly, January’s supermoon is the first of three supermoons to appear this year, with the others expected in November and December. What makes 2026 particularly rare is that four supermoons in a row have been observed, including those in late 2025—the Harvest Moon in October, the Beaver Moon in November, and the Cold Moon in December. On top of that, 2026 will have 13 full moons instead of the usual 12, thanks to a blue Moon in May, when two full moons occur in the same month. This is where the phrase “once in a blue Moon” comes from, reflecting its uncommon nature.
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The name “Wolf Moon” dates back to ancient traditions when full moons were named to mark the seasons. Wolves were known to howl during the cold, midwinter nights, and so the January full Moon earned this evocative title. Ancient cultures often used these names to track time before modern calendars were widely adopted, and many of the names—like the Hunter, Harvest, and Flower Moons—still capture the imagination today.
For sky-watchers, timing matters. While the Wolf Moon will reach its peak fullness at 10:03 GMT, it will look most striking when it is near the horizon at moonrise. In the UK, moonrise times vary depending on location—for example, it will rise around 15:06 in Aberdeen, 15:48 in Belfast, and about 16:03 in Swansea. Clear skies are expected across much of the country, although parts of Northern Scotland, eastern England, and west Wales may see cloud cover or snow showers. Temperatures will drop quickly after sunset, and a strong northerly wind will make it feel even colder, so warm clothing is highly recommended for anyone heading outside to catch the view.
January’s Wolf supermoon is just the start of a bright celestial year. Between meteor showers, lunar and solar eclipses, and planet alignments, 2026 promises plenty of dazzling sights for stargazers. But for now, the Wolf Moon offers a perfect reason to step outside, look up, and enjoy one of nature’s most breathtaking winter spectacles.
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