‘Wolf Supermoon’ to rise on January 3: Why this full Moon is different and worth watching | Explained

Supermoon (Representative image - Canva)

On January 3, skywatchers can see the Wolf Moon as a supermoon, appearing larger and brighter as it makes its closest approach to Earth. This rare event, rich in folklore, will be the last supermoon until November and is best viewed at moonrise or moonset.

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Skywatchers around the world will get a rare and striking view of the night sky on January 3, when the full Wolf Moon also appears as a supermoon. Astronomers say the Moon will look brighter and larger than usual as it makes its closest approach to Earth, offering one of the most visually impressive lunar events of the year. This will also be the last supermoon visible until November.

The January supermoon is expected to stand out for both its visual appeal and its cultural significance. It combines the natural drama of a supermoon with centuries of folklore attached to the Wolf Moon, making it a special moment for casual observers and astronomy enthusiasts alike.

So what exactly is happening in the sky?

A supermoon occurs when a full Moon coincides with perigee, the point at which the Moon is closest to Earth in its elliptical orbit. At perigee, the Moon lies about 363,300 kilometres away. During the January 3 event, it will be roughly 356,500 kilometres from Earth. Because of this reduced distance, the Moon can appear up to 14 percent larger and around 30 percent brighter than when it is at apogee, its farthest point from the planet.

As the Moon rises or sets, it often takes on a warm orange hue. This colour shift happens because moonlight passes through more of Earth’s atmosphere near the horizon, scattering blue light and allowing reds and oranges to dominate. When the Moon climbs higher into the sky, it appears bright white.

The name Wolf Moon comes from historical associations rather than astronomy. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, January’s full Moon was traditionally linked to the increased howling of wolves during winter. Noah Petro, chief of NASA’s Planetary, Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Laboratory at the Goddard Space Flight Center, told CNN, “We describe names to full moons based on what is happening around that time.”

Ancient communities named full Moons as practical seasonal markers tied to survival, agriculture, and hunting. Besides Wolf Moon, this January Moon has also been called the Cold Moon, the Severe Moon, the Hard Moon and the Canada Goose Moon. In parts of Europe, it is known as the Moon After Yule, reflecting winter festivals that follow the solstice.

The Wolf Supermoon will reach peak brightness at around 5 am EST on January 3. In India, the best viewing time will be around 5:45 pm local time. If skies are clear, the Moon will be visible from the evening of January 2 through the night into January 3. Astronomers recommend watching at moonrise or moonset, when the Moon appears especially large due to the well-known moon illusion.

This January event will be the first of three supermoons in 2026, with the largest and closest one expected on December 24.