The full moon will reach its peak early Saturday, January 3, at around 5:02 a.m. Eastern Time. However, skywatchers will enjoy the most striking view during the night hours, when the moon rises slowly and takes command of the darkening sky.
This full moon is called a supermoon because it appears when the Moon is close to perigee the point where it comes nearest to Earth.
Because of this closeness, the Moon will look slightly bigger and noticeably brighter than an average full moon. It is the fourth in a recent chain of supermoons, but it proudly holds the title of the first supermoon of the new year.
The name ‘Wolf Moon’ comes from ancient traditions in North America, where people believed that wolves howled more often during the long, cold nights of January. In parts of Europe, the same moon is also known as the Cold Moon or Hard Moon, names that reflect the harsh grip of winter.
Adding to the beauty of the event, the Moon will appear alongside the planet Jupiter, creating a calm and eye catching pairing in the sky.
At the same time, Earth will be close to perihelion, the point in its orbit when it is closest to the Sun. While this does not affect the weather, it is a rare and elegant astronomical coincidence.
For viewers in the Northern Hemisphere, this full moon will travel higher across the sky than any other full moon of the year, meaning it will stay visible for longer and shine more clearly.
No telescope or special equipment is needed. Just find a spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon, step outside in the evening, and watch as the Moon rises calm, steady, and glowing.
The January Wolf Supermoon is more than a sky event. It is a gentle reminder at the start of the year that we live under a vast, moving universe one that continues its journey, quietly and beautifully, above our everyday lives.
