Wolf Supermoon Gets Ready To Howl As First Full Moon Of 2026

by Aaron Leong — Tuesday, December 30, 2025, 10:06 AM EDT

2026 is set to open with the breathtaking Wolf supermoon this weekend, chased closely by a planetary parade and a good chance of viewing the Andromeda galaxy in February.

Skywatchers, prepare for the first full moon of the year that's set to reach peak illumination this Saturday (January 3) at 5:03 a.m. EST. This particular lunation is classified as a supermoon, the phenomenon that occurs when the moon reaches its full phase while at perigee, i.e. its closest point to Earth along its orbit. During this time, the moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than the usual full moon. This means: the moon will be an easy target even for those living in areas with significant light pollution. For the most dramatic view, experts suggest watching the moonrise on the evenings of Friday, January 2, or Sunday, January 4, when the "moon illusion" near the horizon makes the orb look exceptionally massive against the horizon.

The name "Wolf Moon" has roots in deep Old English and Celtic winter folklore, specifically referring to the period when wolves were traditionally heard howling more frequently outside settlements during the cold January months.

That said, this January event is only the beginning, as 2026 will feature an additional supermoon on May 31 (most commonly known as the Blue Moon). Most years, there would be 12 supermoons, but a 13th occurs approximately every two to three years.

meteor1 — *Credit: Dumitru Stoica/Pixabay*

Coinciding with the supermoon is the peak of the Quadrantid meteor shower, which runs through mid-January. Though the brightness of the supermoon may obscure some of the fainter streaks, the Quadrantids are famous for producing intense fireballs that are best viewed away from city lights. On January 10, Jupiter will reach opposition, appearing at its brightest and most visible for the entire year as it sits directly opposite the sun from our perspective.

As winter progresses into February, the night sky will offer a rare planet parade. Observers will have the chance to see Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune all visible in various parts of the sky, appearing to align depending on where you're located.

This month will also be a premier time for deep-sky viewing in the Northern Hemisphere, with the Andromeda Galaxy becoming visible to the naked eye under dark conditions.