On the crisp morning of January 3, 2026, skies across the United Kingdom and far beyond were set ablaze by the year’s first full moon, known as the Wolf supermoon. From the ancient stones of Stonehenge in Wiltshire to the frosty fields of North Staffordshire, from the bustling streets of London to the tranquil countryside of Scotland, millions gazed upward to witness a celestial spectacle that won’t be repeated until the end of the year.
According to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, the Wolf Moon reached its peak fullness at around 10am, illuminating the heavens with a brilliance that seemed almost otherworldly. Temperatures overnight had dipped below freezing for many regions—hovering at about 0°C at the moon’s zenith—though the south-west of England and west Wales enjoyed a relative warm spell, with thermometers reaching 4°C as the supermoon dominated the sky. Despite the chill, visibility was excellent, making for ideal viewing conditions for skywatchers and photographers alike (as reported by BBC and other outlets).
This Wolf Moon was no ordinary full moon. It was a supermoon, a phenomenon that occurs when a full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit. As a result, the moon appeared up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it’s at its farthest point—a difference that was clearly visible to observers across the country. The Royal Observatory in Greenwich confirmed this, noting that the supermoon’s increased size and brightness were particularly striking against the deep winter sky.
The event was not confined to the UK. Reports and stunning images poured in from across the globe, with the Wolf supermoon visible in cities as far-flung as Karachi, Phetchaburi, and Cairo. The moon’s silvery glow transcended borders, connecting people from different continents in a shared moment of awe and wonder, as highlighted by Reuters and other international news agencies.
But why is it called the Wolf Moon? Jess Lee, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, offered some insight on January 2, 2026: "Every full moon throughout the year has its own unique nickname. The January full moon is often called the Wolf Moon, a name inspired by wolves that were thought to roam during the long winter nights." The name harks back to a time when wolves would howl in hunger during the cold, lean months of midwinter—a poignant reminder of nature’s cycles and the challenges of survival in harsher eras. As BBC News explained, the term is rooted in folklore, reflecting the deep connection between humanity and the natural world.
Interestingly, this Wolf Moon marked the fourth consecutive supermoon, following October’s Harvest Moon, November’s Beaver Moon, and December’s Cold Moon. According to reports from the Shropshire Star and Stoke Sentinel, this rare streak has delighted astronomers and casual observers alike. The next opportunity to see a supermoon as large and bright won’t come until November 2026, making this January’s event all the more special. And for those who love a bit of astronomical trivia, May 2026 is set to feature two full moons—making for an exceptional year with 13 full moons instead of the usual twelve.
All across the UK, amateur and professional photographers braved the cold to capture the Wolf Moon in all its glory. The BBC’s Weather Watchers community was abuzz with images from every corner of the country. In Scotland, John Bogie snapped an impressive shot over Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire, while David Sykes caught the moon from a field in the Isle of Bute. In Shropshire and the West Midlands, readers submitted images showing the moon rising over landmarks like Shugborough and Brown Clee, its pale light casting long shadows on the frosty ground. North Staffordshire’s skies were equally spectacular, with the moon’s silvery disc hanging low above Leek, Biddulph, and the historic Mow Cop Castle (as documented by Stoke Sentinel).
The moon’s allure wasn’t limited to rural vistas. Jess Lee pointed out, “You don’t need any special equipment or to escape light pollution to enjoy the view, it’s a beautiful sight in cities and rural areas alike.” Indeed, the supermoon was visible above the Thames Estuary in Minster, Kent, as well as over Glasgow and even the heart of London. Whether framed by city skylines or rolling hills, the Wolf Moon seemed to captivate everyone who paused to look up.
Beyond the beauty and folklore, the science behind the supermoon is equally fascinating. The moon’s orbit around Earth is not a perfect circle but an ellipse, meaning its distance from our planet varies throughout the month. When a full moon occurs at or near the point where the moon is closest to Earth—known as perigee—it appears noticeably larger and brighter. This optical effect, while subtle to the untrained eye, is unmistakable when compared to more distant full moons, and it’s what gives the supermoon its name and reputation for grandeur.
For many, the Wolf Moon was also a moment of reflection and connection. In a world often divided by politics and distance, the simple act of looking up at the same moon reminded people of their shared humanity. Social media was flooded with photos and stories, as families bundled up to watch the moonrise together, friends exchanged snapshots, and strangers bonded over their mutual sense of wonder.
Of course, those who missed this weekend’s display will have to exercise some patience. As reported by several outlets, including Stoke Sentinel and the Shropshire Star, the next supermoon won’t grace the skies until November 2026. But with May promising two full moons, skywatchers can look forward to an exceptional year of lunar events. And, as astronomer Jess Lee reminded everyone, “Every full moon throughout the year has its own unique nickname.” So there will be plenty of opportunities to look up, learn, and marvel at the rhythms of the cosmos.
As the Wolf supermoon slowly set behind the ancient stones of Stonehenge and the rooftops of Glasgow, it left behind a trail of memories, photographs, and a renewed sense of wonder. For a brief moment in the depths of winter, the world was united in looking up—and that, perhaps, is the moon’s greatest magic of all.
