Stargazers and night sky enthusiasts have a special reason to look up this weekend: the first full moon of 2026, known as the 'Wolf Moon,' is gracing the heavens in spectacular fashion. But this is no ordinary full moon—on January 3, 2026, it arrives as the fourth consecutive supermoon, capping off a rare string of lunar spectacles that began in October of the previous year. With 100% of its face aglow, the Wolf Moon will shine brighter and appear larger than most full moons, offering a dazzling start to the new year for observers across the globe.
According to NASA, the Moon’s phase on January 3 is a Full Moon, with the entire lunar disk fully illuminated. This event marks the culmination of an extraordinary four-month run of supermoons, each occurring when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit—a position known as perigee. At perigee, the Moon sits roughly 363,300 kilometers from our planet, making it appear up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than when it is at its farthest point, or apogee. While the difference in size might be subtle to the naked eye, seasoned photographers and dedicated skywatchers know that it’s a sight to savor.
The Wolf Moon is steeped in tradition, with its name tracing back to Native American and medieval European cultures. As SBS News explains, January’s full moon was dubbed the 'Wolf Moon' because wolves were believed to howl more frequently during the cold, food-scarce nights of midwinter. These evocative names, like 'Snow Moon' for February, helped people mark the passage of time and connect celestial events to earthly rhythms.
For those eager to catch the Wolf Moon at its most impressive, timing is everything. The moon will be officially full at 9:02 pm AEDT, but the best viewing occurs around dusk. That’s when the so-called 'Moon illusion' comes into play—a trick of the mind that causes the low-hanging moon to appear enormous as it rises above the horizon. While this optical effect isn’t unique to supermoons, it adds a touch of magic to an already special night. As BBC Sky at Night Magazine notes, "If you have a clear northeastern horizon and are able to see the Moon when it's low down in the evening twilight, you may notice it looks enormous." The illusion, they explain, is likely due to our perception of the celestial dome overhead and the presence of foreground objects like trees or buildings.
But the Wolf Moon isn’t just a treat for those in search of lunar grandeur. It’s also a perfect opportunity for beginners, families, and children to get involved in astronomy. Winter supermoons rise early in the evening and climb high into the sky, making them easy to spot even from brightly lit cities. As BBC Sky at Night Magazine points out, "Winter supermoons are great for families, kids and beginners, because you don't have to wait too long after sunset to see them." The moon will be visible from January 2 through January 4, tracking east to south as midnight approaches and still glowing in the early morning hours before sunrise.
Seasoned stargazers know that a full moon’s brilliance can make it harder to see faint stars, planets, and deep-sky objects. Still, this weekend, the main event is the Wolf Moon itself—and it’s not alone up there. On the evening of January 3, the full moon will have a close celestial companion: Jupiter. The gas giant, which is nearing opposition on January 10, 2026, will appear just below the moon, shining brightly and holding its own against the lunar glare. According to BBC Sky at Night Magazine, "On 2 January, if you observe the nearly-full Moon rise as the sky grows dark, you'll notice the bright planet Jupiter below it... They're at their closest on the evening of 3 January, making for a beautiful sight as the gas giant planet appears just below the Moon."
The Wolf Moon’s high winter path means it will tower above buildings and city lights, a boon for urban observers. Its bright light will also make it possible to spot lunar rays—streaks of debris thrown out by ancient impacts, radiating from craters like Tycho and Copernicus. While the full moon’s glare can wash out many surface features, these rays are often at their most visible during this phase. For those interested in more than just the moon, the night sky this weekend offers additional treasures: the twin stars Castor and Pollux in Gemini, the iconic constellation Orion, Sirius (the brightest star in the sky), and the Pleiades and Hyades star clusters. Astronomy apps or star charts can help newcomers find these celestial wonders.
Miss this weekend’s supermoon, and you’ll have a long wait for the next one. As SBS News reports, the next supermoons won’t appear until November 6 and December 5, 2026. In the meantime, the lunar cycle will continue its steady rhythm—a roughly 29.5-day journey through eight distinct phases, from New Moon to Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent. Each phase brings its own beauty, but there’s something undeniably special about a supermoon lighting up the winter sky.
For those interested in lunar photography, this is an ideal opportunity. Capturing the subtle changes in the moon’s size and brightness over several months can be a rewarding project. And if you manage to snap a particularly striking image of the Wolf Moon supermoon, publications like BBC Sky at Night Magazine are always eager to showcase reader submissions.
As the Wolf Moon rises, it’s worth reflecting on the enduring human fascination with the night sky. From ancient traditions to modern science, the moon has inspired stories, guided calendars, and sparked curiosity for millennia. Tonight, as the fourth supermoon in as many months shines overhead, that sense of wonder is as strong as ever. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply stepping outside for a moment of quiet awe, the Wolf Moon supermoon promises a luminous start to 2026.
