BREAKING: The year opens with a show. On Saturday, January 3, the Wolf Moon turns full and rises as a supermoon. It will look larger, brighter, and beautifully golden at twilight. I have the timing, the science, and the plan to see it at its best.
When to look, and why Saturday evening wins
The Wolf Moon is full at 10:03 GMT on January 3, which is 5:03 a.m. EST. That full moment happens before dawn. The real drama arrives at moonrise that evening. The Moon will lift off the eastern horizon right after sunset, glowing warm against a darkening sky. In New York, moonrise is about 4:56 p.m. EST, roughly 16 minutes after sunset. Your exact time will vary by location, but the pattern is the same across North America, Europe, and much of Asia.
A winter full moon climbs high and stays up most of the night. The Sun sits low in January, so the Moon rides high and bright in response. Expect a long, crisp viewing window from dusk to dawn.
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Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your local moonrise. The first 10 minutes after it clears the horizon give the most photogenic view.
What makes it a supermoon
The Moon’s path around Earth is not a perfect circle. Sometimes it is closer, called perigee, and sometimes farther, called apogee. This full moon arrives near perigee, at about 225,000 miles, roughly 362,000 kilometers. That close pass makes the disc appear up to 14 percent larger and about 30 percent brighter than a typical full moon.
You will notice the difference most near the horizon. Buildings, trees, and ridgelines give your eyes a yardstick. The famous moon illusion also plays a role, making the rising Moon look huge against familiar landmarks.
This Wolf Moon also caps a rare run. It is the fourth supermoon in four months, following October, November, and December. After Saturday, supermoons step off the stage until late 2026.
How to see it and capture the shot
Find an open view to the east. Waterfronts, rooftops, and parks work well. City haze can soften the glow, but it also adds color. A simple plan beats complex gear.
- Pick a foreground, like a skyline or lone tree, to frame the Moon.
- Use a tripod or a wall to steady your phone or camera.
- Start with a low ISO near 100 to keep detail sharp.
- Tap to focus on the Moon, then lower exposure to avoid a white blob.
If you use a phone, switch off night mode for a cleaner disc. If you use a camera, try f/8 and 1/125 second, then adjust. Bracket a few shots. The light changes quickly in twilight.
Stand a few blocks back from your subject. Distance lets the Moon appear bigger relative to a building or peak.
Bonus sky show: meteors and a giant planet
The Quadrantid meteor shower peaks January 2 into January 3. The bright Moon will wash out faint streaks. Still, this shower is known for fireballs. Look for the brightest meteors after midnight and before dawn, when the radiant is high. Even with moonlight, a few bold streaks can punch through.
Jupiter adds a second beacon. It shines bright in the east after sunset and glows all night. The planet reaches opposition on January 10, so it is near its yearly best. On Saturday evening, the Moon and Jupiter will share the same patch of sky. Binoculars will frame them together. You may even catch Jupiter’s four big moons as tiny points.
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Why this one matters
This is a last chance moment. Four straight supermoons do not come often. The next shot at a supermoon waits until late 2026. Winter also helps. Cold, dry air sharpens detail, and the Moon’s high track keeps it clear of horizon haze.
There is a real-world angle too. Supermoons bring slightly higher than usual high tides. The effect is modest by itself, yet it can stack with weather. Coastal communities should watch for minor tidal boosts if strong onshore winds or low pressure arrive this weekend.
For scientists and educators, nights like this open doors. Bright, easy sky events pull new eyes to the heavens. That interest fuels backyard observing, data from citizen science, and stronger support for planetary research. It also gives a simple lesson in orbital motion, light, and perspective. You look up, you see the physics, and it sticks.
The plan for Saturday
Step outside before sunset. Face east. Watch for the first silver edge to clear the horizon. Then let the scene unfold. Jupiter will be your wingman. Meteors may flash later if you stay out. The Wolf Moon will rule the night, bright and steady, a clean start for a new year of skywatching.
I will be watching, camera ready, as the Moon climbs. See you under the light.
