On Saturday, January 3, 2026, the first full moon of the year, known as the Wolf Moon, will shine brightly at 5:02 a.m. EST. It’s a supermoon, meaning it will look bigger and brighter than usual. The best time to catch a glimpse will be at moonrise, when it appears in the east at dusk, flanked by the bright star Pollux and Jupiter, which will be especially luminous as it approaches opposition just a week later.
The name “Wolf Moon” comes from the time of year when wolves were often heard howling. Native American tribes also had other interesting names for this moon, including the Cold Moon and the Freeze-Up Moon. In Europe, it’s sometimes called the Moon After Yule, referring to the celebrations following the winter solstice.
This full moon will take the highest path across the night sky for any full moon in winter. This is because it occurs close to the winter solstice, when the sun is at its lowest point. According to astronomers, this unique aspect makes it a perfect opportunity for night sky watchers, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.
Interestingly, the Wolf Moon is the fourth supermoon in a series but will be the last one until November. It will be about 225,130 miles (362,312 kilometers) from Earth. Coincidentally, Earth will also be at perihelion, its closest point to the sun, sitting at around 91.4 million miles (147.1 million km) away. This alignment makes for a fascinating astronomical event as both the moon and sun will be at their nearest points relative to Earth at the same time.
Following the Wolf Moon, mark your calendar for the Snow Moon on February 1. This winter full moon brings its own beauty and significance, often symbolizing the snow-covered landscapes of the season.
For more information on full moons and their meanings, check out the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
