Skywatchers will get a special treat as the first supermoon of 2026 is set to appear in the night sky, with the full Moon rising on January 3 and appearing noticeably larger and brighter than usual.
This will be the final supermoon in a series that began in October last year, marking the end of several months of enhanced lunar displays.
According to scientists, a supermoon occurs when the Moon reaches its closest point to Earth during its orbit while also being in its full phase. Due to this proximity, the Moon can appear up to 14 percent larger and around 30 percent brighter than a typical full Moon.
Astronomers say the Moon will reach its peak fullness around 3:00 pm on Saturday, though it will be most striking to observers on the night before, when it rises as a large, glowing disc in the sky.
The January full Moon is known by several traditional names, including the Wolf Moon, Cold Moon, and Hard Moon. While these names are often described as ancient, experts note that many of them have gained wider popularity only in recent decades.
Weather permitting, the supermoon will be visible to the naked eye and does not require any special equipment, making it an ideal opportunity for casual observers and photography enthusiasts alike.
