Look up tonight. The first supermoon of 2026 is happening on Saturday, January 3. The moon will look bigger and brighter than usual.
A supermoon is a special kind of full moon. It happens when the moon is closest to Earth in its orbit. This point is called a “perigee.” Tonight, the moon will appear about 14% bigger and 30% brighter than a normal full moon. Do not worry. The moon is not actually growing. It is just closer to us.
Tonight’s supermoon is also called the “Wolf Moon.” This name is not a science term. It comes from old traditions. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says January’s full moon was called the Wolf Moon long ago. This is because people heard wolves howling in hunger during deep winter.
This is the first of three supermoons in 2026. The next ones will be on November 24 and December 24. The supermoon on December 24 will be the closest one of the year.
Here is a simple trick for the best view. Go outside just after sunset. Look for the moon rising on the horizon. Or, go out just before sunrise to see it setting. The moon will look huge near the horizon. This is an optical illusion. It makes for a beautiful photo.
To really see the details, use binoculars or a small telescope. You will see mountains and craters on the lunar surface.
Want to take a good picture? Find a dark spot away from city lights. If you use your phone, put it on a tripod or a steady surface. This will stop the picture from blurring. If you have an iPhone, it may automatically use a special night mode. Wear warm clothes. It will be cold outside at night.
Here are all the traditional names for 2026’s full moons:
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Wolf Moon – January 3
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Snow Moon – February 1
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Worm Moon – March 3
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Pink Moon – April 1
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Flower Moon – May 1
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Strawberry Moon – June 29
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Buck Moon – July 29
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Sturgeon Moon – August 27
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Corn Moon – September 26
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Hunter’s Moon – October 26
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Beaver Moon – November 24 (Supermoon)
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Cold Moon – December 24 (Supermoon)
Go out, look up, and enjoy the show.