The first full moon of 2026 will rise this weekend, appearing larger and brighter than the usual full moon. Named “Wolf Moon”, it will visually associate with the planet Jupiter.
The Wolf Moon reaches its full phase early on Saturday, January 3 at 5:02 a.m. EST. But stargazers can see the most spectacular views later at night.
When is the best time to watch Wolf Moon?
The best time to observe it is when the moon rises in the eastern sky, just after sunset. At that time, observers will see the glowing full moon flanked by Pollux (a bright star in the constellation Gemini) on one side and Jupiter (the largest planet in the solar system) shining brightly.
Why is the January full moon called the “Wolf Moon”?
The full moon earns the name “Wolf Moon” due to long-standing traditions in North America, where January was associated with the howling of wolves during the harsh winter months. Other historical names include Cold Moon, Hard Moon and Moon After Yule in parts of Europe.
January’s full moon is also a supermoon, meaning it occurs near perigee. Perigee is the point in the Moon’s orbit where it is closest to Earth.
As a result, it will appear slightly larger and up to 30% brighter than a typical full moon. This is the fourth supermoon in a row but the first of 2026. The last supermoon was spotted in November.
Additionally, the Wolf Moon closely coincides with Earth’s perihelion, the closest annual approach to the sun, which occurs a few days later.
How to watch the January full moon?
From the Northern Hemisphere, it will also trace the highest arc in the night sky of any full moon this year, remaining visible for longer than usual. There is no need to use a telescope to view the full moon. To observe it with the best possible experience, find an open, east-facing location at moonrise and watch the Super Wolf Moon climb at dusk, ushering in 2026 with a striking cosmic display.
