Wolf Moon explained: Date first supermoon of 2026 will occur and meaning behind its name
Watch a video explaining what a supermoon is ahead of the first full Moon of 2026 - the Wolf Moon - this weekend.
The first full Moon of 2026 - the Wolf Moon - will light up UK skies this weekend.
The Wolf Moon will be the fourth supermoon in a row following the Harvest Moon in October, the Beaver Moon in November and the Cold Moon in December.
Here’s all you need to know about the upcoming Wolf Moon, including what a supermoon is and when the Wolf Moon will be visible.
What is a supermoon?
The BBC explains that the Moon's orbit around the Earth is elliptical, or slightly egg-shaped, meaning that the distance between the two varies throughout the year. If the Moon is full at its closest point to Earth (perigee), or within 90% of its closest point, it can be referred to as a supermoon. An alternative definition of a supermoon is any full Moon within 360,000km of the centre of the Earth.
What is the wolf Moon?
Full Moons throughout the year have been given names which reflect what is happening in nature during that time of the year. January's full Moon is called the Wolf Moon - named after the howling of hungry wolves in winter.
When will the wolf Moon occur?
The Wolf Moon will occur at 10:03 on Saturday January 3, but will be at its most impressive when closest to the horizon at evening moonrise.