First Supermoon of 2026 Happening This Weekend

It's the first supermoon of 2026, and it's happening this weekend.

On Saturday night (January 3rd), the full moon will be what’s called a supermoon. That means the moon is a little closer to Earth than usual. Because of this, it appears a bit larger and brighter in the sky. You do not need a telescope or any special equipment. If you can step outside and look up, you are good to go.

This full moon is also known as the Wolf Moon. January’s full moon has carried that name for a long time. Back in the day, people noticed that wolves were often heard howling during the cold winter months. Some thought it was because food was harder to find, others believed the sound just carried more in the quiet winter air. Either way, the name stuck, and we still use it today.

For Upstate New York, your best chance to see it is Saturday evening. Try heading outside just after the sun goes down and look toward the eastern sky. That is when the moon rises, and it often looks the biggest and most impressive right as it comes up over the horizon.

If clouds cooperate, it is a great excuse to slow down for a few minutes. Grab a coat, maybe a hot drink, and take a look. Sometimes the simplest sky shows end up being the most memorable.