Prepare to be amazed! This weekend, the sky is putting on a show you absolutely don't want to miss: the Wolf Supermoon. It's not just any full moon; it's the first major celestial event of 2026, and the grand finale of a supermoon series that began last October. Get ready for a moon that's bigger, brighter, and more breathtaking than usual. But here's where it gets controversial... Is it really that much bigger, or is it just our perception?
This spectacular Wolf Supermoon follows the Harvest Moon (October), Beaver Moon (November), and Cold Moon (December). If you're hoping to catch a glimpse, cross your fingers for clear skies, because the next Supermoon won't grace our skies until November!
Let's break down what makes this Wolf Supermoon so special and how you can witness this year's first major skygazing event.
What exactly is a Supermoon?
The Moon's journey around Earth isn't a perfectly circular path. Instead, it follows an elliptical orbit, meaning sometimes it's closer to us, and sometimes it's farther away. When a full moon coincides with the Moon's closest approach to Earth (known as perigee), we get a Supermoon. At its farthest point, called apogee, the Moon appears smaller and dimmer. The Moon reaches both perigee and apogee during its roughly 27-day orbit, but the exact distances vary slightly each time.
"Supermoon" isn't an official astronomical term. Instead, it's a popular way to describe a full Moon that's unusually close to perigee. Supermoons typically occur in clusters of three or four throughout the year. And this is the part most people miss: the difference in size can be subtle!
At its closest, a Supermoon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than the smallest full Moon of the year. However, this difference can be difficult to discern with the naked eye unless you're a seasoned observer. It's more about the feeling of awe than a drastic visual change.
Supermoons also have a tangible effect: they cause higher-than-usual ocean tides because the Moon's proximity to Earth increases its gravitational pull.
When and Where to See the Wolf Supermoon
The Wolf Supermoon will rise on January 3rd, reaching its fullest phase at 10:03 GMT. However, to see it at its most magnificent, you’ll want to catch it near the horizon during moonrise.
Here are the approximate moonrise times for various UK locations:
- Aberdeen: 15:06
- Edinburgh: 15:24
- Newcastle: 15:26
- Liverpool: 15:45
- Belfast: 15:48
- Oxford: 15:51
- London: 15:54
- Swansea: 16:03
Remember, these are just estimates, and the actual moonrise time may vary slightly depending on your exact location and local conditions.
More Lunar Delights in 2026?
Absolutely! Mark your calendars for two more Supermoons in November and December of 2026.
Plus, get ready for a Blue Moon in May! This happens when we have two full moons in a single calendar month. This will bring the total full moons in 2026 to 13, which is quite rare, only happening every few years and is the origin of the saying 'once in a blue moon'.
How to View the Supermoon
The best part? You don't need any fancy equipment to enjoy the first skywatching event of 2026. Just find a spot with a clear view of the sky. Arriving before the moonrise time will give you the best chance to see the moon when it appears largest near the horizon.
However, binoculars or a telescope can enhance your viewing experience, allowing you to observe the Moon's craters and surface details. This will be the highest full moon until December 23’s full Cold Supermoon, which occurs just days after 2026’s winter solstice.
Why "Wolf Moon"? The Story Behind the Name
Full moons traditionally have names tied to the time of year they occur. These names originated with Native American tribes in North America, who used them to track the seasons.
While there are some variations in the specific names depending on the source and the tribe, the Farmer's Almanac list is widely used, even in the UK.
January's Wolf Moon gets its name from the increased howling of wolves during this time of year, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac. Whether they're truly howling more in January or it just seems that way due to the cold and quiet nights is a matter of debate!
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So, will you be braving the cold to catch the Wolf Supermoon this weekend? Do you think the difference in size and brightness is noticeable to the naked eye? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
