Wolf Supermoon Dazzles Skywatchers Worldwide

Skywatchers around the world were treated to the Wolf Supermoon, the first supermoon of 2026, which rose on the nights of January 2–3.

“ANI |Updated:Jan 03, 2026 20:04 IST Guwahati(Assam) [India], January 3 (ANI): The first supermoon of 2026 lit up the night sky on Saturday, offering people across India a beautiful view of the full moon”

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It produced striking views from India to the United Kingdom.

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India Today reported that the Wolf Supermoon is the first of three supermoons in 2026 and rose on the evening of Jan. 2–3, noting vivid local scenes such as the Moon rising beside a Shiva idol in Ahmedabad.

Manchester Evening News highlighted the UK view and NASA's metrics, saying the Moon could appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than the year's faintest full Moon.

Regional outlets echoed the global reach, with Lokmattimes saying the Wolf Moon lit up skies across India as it rose soon after sunset, and Mathrubhumi noting it would be visible across India, the United States and much of the world on the night of January 3.

Reports across outlets were consistent about the basic cause — a full moon near lunar perigee — but they varied slightly in the numbers and distances presented.

Several sources explained that a "supermoon" happens when a full Moon coincides with the Moon's closest approach to Earth (Mathrubhumi).

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News18 said the event occurs at lunar perigee so the Moon appears about 14% larger and nearly 30% brighter than an average full moon.

Hindustan Times gave a precise perigee distance of about 362,641 km from Earth and summarized the visual change as appearing about 30% brighter and roughly 14% larger.

Bhaskar offered a slightly broader range, saying the Moon would appear roughly 6–14% larger and up to 30% brighter.

Regional outlets reported local timing and viewing conditions differently, reflecting geography and local weather.

“If you're feeling a touch of the post-Christmas blues this week, a good way to dust off the cobwebs and look forward to a brand new year is to get out and get looking up at the night sky”

BBC

Hindustan Times and Odisha TV said the Moon was visible in India shortly after sunset, with peak local views around 5:45–6:00 pm IST.

Manchester Evening News gave UK specifics: the Moon reached full phase at 10:03 a.m. on Jan 3, rose around 3:45 p.m., moved south by midnight, and was due to set about 9:43 a.m. on Jan 4.

The Straits Times quoted a Singapore viewer who said the Moon was only clearly visible after 10 p.m., with photos taken between about 9:30 and 10 p.m.

Several reports (India Today, Odisha TV, Mathrubhumi) also mentioned a warm orange-yellow hue and the "moon illusion" that makes the Moon appear larger near the horizon.

Observers and outlets also offered practical viewing advice and an astronomy perspective on what to photograph.

News18 advised watchers that "the best views will be after sunset" and to choose "open, dark locations away from city lights and pollution."

Bhaskar English

The Daily Mail reminded readers to "check local forecasts and dress warmly" because of weather warnings.

The BBC provided a technical caveat that a full Moon, including a supermoon, is actually a poor time to study most lunar features because even illumination washes out detail.

The BBC added that full Moons do show some features well, notably bright ray systems from ancient impacts such as those radiating from craters Tycho and Copernicus.

Roundup reporting from ANI noted that skywatchers will have to wait until the end of 2026 for the next supermoon.