First Supermoon of 2026: When & Where To Watch The Wolf Moon in India Today

Sinophiles Assemble! The first supermoon of 2026 will shine in the night sky on January 3. The rare astronomical event will see the Moon appear around 30 per cent brighter and nearly 14 per cent larger than the most distant full moon of the year. In India, the supermoon will be visible shortly after sunset, so stargazers are in for a treat today.

What Is a Supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth, a point in its orbit known as perigee. During this phase, the Moon comes opposite the Sun, allowing its nearest side to be fully illuminated. As a result, it appears larger and brighter than a regular full moon. For today's event, the Moon will be located approximately 362,641 km away from Earth and will be one of the closest full moons of the year. January's full moon is also traditionally called the Wolf Moon because of the ancient folklore.

Supermoon January 2026 Timings

According to NASA, the supermoon will reach its peak illumination around 4 pm IST on January 3. However, Indian skywatchers will get the best views during moonrise, which is expected between 5:45 pm and 6 pm IST, shortly after sunset.

One of the major talkpoints of this supermoon will be its orange-yellow hue, especially when it is close to the horizon. This colour shift happens due to atmospheric scattering, where Earth's atmosphere filters out blue light and allows warmer tones to dominate.

How to Watch the Supermoon?

The January 2026 supermoon can be viewed easily with the naked eye, and no special equipment is required. However, those interested in spotting surface details like craters and shadows can use binoculars or a small telescope for a closer look. Clear skies and a spot with minimal light pollution will enhance the viewing experience.