Published: January 3, 2026 Tonight, the first full moon of 2026 illuminates the winter sky—the Wolf Moon, a stunning supermoon that appears larger and brighter than usual. As the fourth consecutive supermoon (following those in late 2025), this celestial event marks a brilliant start to the year. It reaches peak illumination today, January 3, offering skywatchers a perfect opportunity to gaze upward.
When and How to See the Wolf Moon The full moon reaches its peak at approximately 5:03 a.m. EST (10:03 GMT) on January 3, 2026. However, the best viewing occurs in the evening when it rises in the east around sunset.
It appears nearly full on the nights of January 2 and 3, glowing brightly overhead by midnight.This year's Wolf Moon qualifies as a supermoon because it occurs near perigee, the moon's closest point to Earth. This makes it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon.
Look low on the horizon during moonrise for the most dramatic effect—the "moon illusion" combined with atmospheric effects often creates an orange hue and oversized appearance.Clear skies provide ideal conditions in many areas, coinciding with the peak of the Quadrantid meteor shower on January 3-4 for potential double viewing.
Whether you observe with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope, the Wolf Moon reminds us of nature's rhythms. Bundle up, step outside tonight, and let this luminous supermoon inspire your 2026.
Wolves hold symbolic power in many cultures, representing intuition, community, survival, and the wild spirit—perfect for January's introspective energy.
January Moon Names: Man Moon (Taos). Joyful Moon (Hopi). Avunniviayuk (Inuit). Quite Moon (Celtic). Ice Moon (San Juan). Cold Moon (Cherokee). Ice Moon (Neo-Pagan). Flying Ant Moon(Apache). Big Cold Moon (Mohawk). Cooking Moon (Choctaw). Strong Cold Moon (Sioux). Little Winter Moon (Creek). Her Cold Moon (Wishram). Cold Meal Moon (Natchez). Moon After Yule (Cherokee). Wolf Moon (Medieval English). Strong Cold Moon (Cheyenne). Quiet : Dark, Wolf : Full (Janic). Great Spirit Moon (Anishnaabe). Whirling Wind Moon (Passamaquoddy).
Wolf Moon, Old Moon, Winter Moon, Yule Moon (Algonquin).
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When and How to See the Wolf Moon The full moon reaches its peak at approximately 5:03 a.m. EST (10:03 GMT) on January 3, 2026. However, the best viewing occurs in the evening when it rises in the east around sunset.
It appears nearly full on the nights of January 2 and 3, glowing brightly overhead by midnight.This year's Wolf Moon qualifies as a supermoon because it occurs near perigee, the moon's closest point to Earth. This makes it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon.
Look low on the horizon during moonrise for the most dramatic effect—the "moon illusion" combined with atmospheric effects often creates an orange hue and oversized appearance.Clear skies provide ideal conditions in many areas, coinciding with the peak of the Quadrantid meteor shower on January 3-4 for potential double viewing.
Whether you observe with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope, the Wolf Moon reminds us of nature's rhythms. Bundle up, step outside tonight, and let this luminous supermoon inspire your 2026.
Wolves hold symbolic power in many cultures, representing intuition, community, survival, and the wild spirit—perfect for January's introspective energy.
Wolf Moon, Old Moon, Winter Moon, Yule Moon (Algonquin).
VIDEO
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