Skywatchers will see an especially bright moon image on January 3, 2026, when the full Wolf Moon appears as a supermoon, enhanced by a rare combination of orbital conditions.
A supermoon occurs when a full moon aligns with perigee, the point in the moon’s orbit at which it is closest to Earth.
On January 3, the Moon will pass Earth at a distance of about 220,000 miles (362,300 kilometers), making it appear roughly 14 percent larger and up to 30 percent brighter than when it is at its furthest distance.
Although this perigee is slightly further away than December’s Cold Supermoon, January’s Wolf Supermoon will get an extra brightness boost as it closely coincides with Earth’s perihelion.
Perihelion is the time of year when Earth is closest to the Sun, allowing slightly more sunlight to reach the Earth-Moon system.
The Earth is about 3.4 percent closer to the Sun at perihelion than at its furthest point.
The combination of a full moon near perigee and Earth near perihelion could make this Wolf supermoon one of the brightest full moons visible in 2026.
January also offers favorable viewing conditions in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
Colder air tends to hold less moisture, which can lead to clearer and more transparent skies, weather permitting. No special equipment is needed to view the Wolf Supermoon.
The moon will be visible to the naked eye, making it an accessible and striking celestial event for observers around the world.
