The wolf supermoon will kick off 2026 with a celestial bang. Here's when and how to see it.
The new year is bringing an extraordinary lunar event: The first full moon of 2026, known as the wolf moon, will also be the year's inaugural supermoon — appearing noticeably larger and brighter than usual, because the moon will reach its closest point to Earth.
A supermoon is when a full moon hits its perigee — the point in the moon's elliptical orbit when it is nearest to Earth. When this occurs, the moon can appear up to 14% larger and shine 30% brighter than a typical full moon, according to NASA, creating a spectacular sight for observers.
The phenomenon is theatrical because the moon's orbit isn't perfectly circular — it's elliptical, which means the distance between Earth and the moon will vary over the course of the month. But it is when these orbital mechanics align just right that we get the stunning display of a supermoon.
The folklore behind the wolf moon
The name "wolf moon" comes from Native American and European traditions, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. It reflects a time of year when wolves were frequently heard howling outside villages during the depths of winter.
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