First Supermoon of 2026 Lights Up the Sky Tonight — How to See ‘Wolf Moon’

A stunning supermoon will illuminate the night sky tonight, marking the first of three supermoons expected in 2026. During this event, the Moon appears larger than usual as it reaches its closest point to Earth, known as the lunar perigee.

“The distance between the Moon and the Earth varies, because the Earth is not right at the centre of the Moon’s orbit and the Moon’s orbit is not a circle (it’s an ellipse),” explained the Royal Greenwich Observatory.

The January 3, 2026, full Moon is traditionally called the Wolf Moon, a name popularized by The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The moniker is linked to the long, cold nights of winter when wolves are said to howl in hunger. This supermoon offers an excellent opportunity for stargazing and photography.

Experts advise finding a location with a clear view of the horizon, minimal light pollution, and using a tripod to capture sharp images. “Seeing moonrise just after sunset or moonset just before sunrise will be an impressive sight as the Moon will appear enormous compared to the surrounding landscape,” the Observatory added.

Following tonight, supermoons in 2026 are expected on November 24 and December 24, with the December edition being the closest, at around 221,000 miles from Earth. The event promises to be a spectacular celestial show for astronomy enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.